How to know when you need an alignment on your car?

I should also add that I am not noticing any pulling to the right or left.

Usually I look for pulling one way or the other.

I think whe tires are rotated they are often also balanced, not sure if that is the same as an alignment? I don’t think it is.

Not sure what the shudder is. Maybe the brakes are not being applied evenly? Just guessing, I am no expert, and probably was no help. Hopefully a mechanic joins us.

Uneven tire wear on edges and “feathering” of tires for alignment.

Shuddering on braking is rotors that need to be “trued” or replaced caused by warped rotors, disc brakes, if it is drum brakes, the drums may need to be replaced or turned.

@Tropical_Willie Hmmm…so, could my rotors be warped even if the front brakes test at 37%. That is just for the brake pads etc, right? But the rotors could be warped for some reason? What makes rotors warp?

It sounds like one of your brake drums are cracked.

@filmfann Back to the car doc…oh joy. lol

Oh JOY…. Get themto check runout on the rotors and roundness of drums if applicable.

Thanks guys…damn cars, always something. lol

My last alignment was over 2 years ago

You need an alignment.

@plethora Maybe…thanks. :-)

@Coloma And try changing the oil every 3000–5000 miles. That;s the single most important thing you can do to keep your car running.

@plethora Yes, I’m always on time with my oil changes, just had it done, tires rotated 2 weeks ago, but, I am going to take her in for an alignment check this week. :-)