Back to all

Fuel Saving Tip: Alignment for Your Elgin Vehicle

July 11, 2017



Imagine you've left Elgin and you're up in the arctic on a dog sled.

Your dog team is pulling straight and true. You can cover a lot of ground quickly. Now imagine what would happen if one or two of the dogs wanted to go their own way and were pulling off to the side.

That would slow you down. You would have to work harder to keep the sled going where you want it. The dogs are all working as hard as before, but you're covering less ground for the same effort.

You're wasting kibble.

The same is true of your vehicle when the wheels are out of alignment. That wheel that's pulling to the side is dragging down the rest of the vehicle; so you push a little harder on the gas pedal to keep up your speed. You're wasting gas.

So have your wheel alignment checked at least once a year. It is important to get it checked right away if you feel the vehicle pulling to one side.

Sometimes we Elgin residents bump a curb or hit a pothole and knock our wheels out of alignment. An accident can take the wheels out of alignment as well.

Elgin residents need to make sure they're tracking straight. You'll get better fuel economy and your tires'll last longer. Now, mush!

Tuffy Auto Service Center Elgin
395 S. Randall Rd
Elgin, Illinois 60123
847-717-4682

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Tuffy Elgin

Differential Essential (Differential Fluid Exchange)

April 26, 2026

What's the dif? To an automotive technician, it's the differential, a part of your vehicle that helps direct power from the engine to the wheels. The differential is a gearbox that enables the drive wheels to turn at different speeds (they do that when you turn). Inside the differential is a f... More

Do I Need Brake Service? (Brake Service)

April 19, 2026

Think of how many times you put your foot on your vehicles brake pedal every day. And think of how much you rely on your brakes to slow down and stop your momentum. When it comes to safety systems, your brakes are at the top of the list, and thats why its so important to keep them in top condit... More

Economics of Maintenance for Elgin Auto Owners

April 15, 2026

Buying a new car in Elgin is always a big financial decision. The allure of that new car smell is powerful, to be sure. But what if your current car is still in good shape? How do you decide?People in Elgin who've been used to driving a new car every three to five years may be having second tho... More