How Often Should You Check Your Alignment in the Pothole Capital of Canada?
Potholes Are Alignment Assassins
Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary. These cities battle potholes every spring. Freeze-thaw cycles destroy roads. Potholes appear overnight. One pothole hit can knock your alignment out of spec instantly. In pothole-heavy regions, alignment maintenance needs to be more aggressive than in areas with better roads. You're fighting road conditions that constantly threaten your alignment.
How often should I check alignment in pothole-heavy areas?
In regions like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary with significant pothole damage, check alignment every 6 months or 10,000 miles. In areas with better road conditions, annual checks are sufficient. After hitting a pothole, always check immediately.
Alignment Check Frequency by Condition
- Normal roads, no recent impacts: every 12 months or 15,000 miles
- Pothole-heavy areas: every 6 months or 10,000 miles
- After hitting a pothole: immediately within 24 hours
- After any suspension repair: before leaving the shop
- Before seasonal changes (winter/summer): once per season
- If you notice pulling or tire wear: immediately
- High-mileage vehicles: every 10,000 miles minimum
- New vehicles: first check at 15,000 miles, then annually
Why Pothole Cities Need More Frequent Checks
Toronto's roads see 100,000+ potholes annually. Vancouver's freeze-thaw cycles create constant damage. Calgary's winter severity breaks pavement. Drivers in these cities are constantly at risk of alignment-damaging impacts. A driver in Toronto might hit 5-10 potholes annually. Each one is a potential alignment problem. More impacts mean more frequent checks are necessary.
Should I get alignment checked before winter in pothole cities?
Yes, absolutely. Before winter arrives, get an alignment check. Winter driving creates potholes. Spring reveals them. Checking before winter establishes a baseline. Then check again in spring after pothole season to catch any damage.
Seasonal Alignment Maintenance Schedule
- Spring (March-April): Check after pothole season damage
- Summer (June-July): Mid-year check for overall health
- Fall (September-October): Pre-winter check before cold arrives
- Winter (December-January): Emergency checks only after impacts
- Additional: Immediate check after any hard pothole hit
- Additional: Check after suspension repairs or tire service
- Additional: Check if you notice pulling or tire wear changes
The Cost of Infrequent Checks in Pothole Areas
Skipping alignment checks in a pothole city is expensive. You might hit a pothole, damage your alignment, and not know it. Weeks later, tire wear is severe. Months later, you need replacement. One missed check costs $1,000+ in tire damage. Quarterly alignment checks cost $200-$300 annually. The insurance is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quarterly alignment checking too frequent?
Not in pothole-heavy cities. The cost of four checks ($200-$300) is minimal compared to $1,000+ in premature tire replacement. It's good maintenance.
Can I tell if I need an alignment check or should I just do them regularly?
Regular checks are safer. You might not feel alignment damage immediately. Regular checks catch it before major damage occurs. In pothole areas, regular checks are preventive maintenance.
Do alignment checks wear out my suspension?
No. Alignment checks are non-destructive. They measure angles without stress. Regular checks actually protect your suspension by catching problems early.
Should I adjust my driving to avoid potholes and reduce alignment checks?
Absolutely. Avoid potholes when safely possible. But you can't avoid them all. Regular checks ensure that unavoidable impacts don't cause lasting damage.
Schedule Regular Alignment Checks in Your Pothole City
Don't let pothole season damage your alignment and tires. Local mechanics can help you maintain alignment throughout the year.
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