Irregular tire wear is a good indication that it might be time to have your tires replaced, did you know that it can also be a warning sign that your vehicle is experiencing steering, alignment or suspension problems?

The underbody of your vehicle is an interlinking system. Steering and suspension life is directly related to proper 4-wheel alignment. Your vehicle chassis components depend on it. When you see your tires starting to show signs of wear, don't just assume that they are getting old. Ties can be a warning sign for other vehicle problems. Make sure you request a proper 4-wheel alignment inspection as part of your vehicles' annual check-up.

Irregular tire wear is a symptom of a problem that if neglected, could damage your vehicle and put your safety at risk. Become familiar with these early warning signs, a good preventive maintenance tip will keep you on the road.

Steering - If the vehicle is pulling to one side, make sure you check the tire pressure. If the tire pressure is balanced, the steering problems could be due to any of the following:

" Uneven tire rod length

" Incorrect toe

" Unequal camber or caster

" Incorrect center link/rack height

If you are experiencing excessive steering play or hard steering, have your technician check for loose or worn struts, strut mounts, shocks, springs and-or bushings.

Suspension - There are many parts within the suspension system of an automobile. If you are experiencing suspension problems, have you technician check the tire alignment, bearings, bushings, strut rods, springs and-or control arms. Inspect all suspension parts and repair all parts that are worn or damaged. Failure to do this may allow the problem to reoccur and cause other suspension parts to fail and break.

Alignment - Wheel alignment is needed for proper handling and tire wear. Proper wheel alignment keeps the wheels from scuffing, dragging or slipping. It also reduces fuel consumption and strain on steering and suspension parts. It also improves steering ability. There are three alignment angles that affect your vehicle - camber, caster, and toe.

1. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel at the top from a true vehicle line and is measured in degrees. The purpose of this adjustment is to distribute the vehicle load closer to the point of road contact. This makes steering easier and helps to prevent excessive tire wear.

2. Caster is a directional control angle measured in degrees and is the amount that the steering axis tilted from true vertical backward or forward. Caster affects turning ease, straight-line stability and steering wheel return ability.

3. Toe is the difference between the front and rear of the corresponding tires at spindle height. This is easier to understand when you compare your car's wheels to your own feet. When the fronts of the tires face in toward the car, this is called toe-in. When they face out from the car, this is called toe-out. Incorrect toe will increase tire wear and tear.