When Is The Time To Change The Wheel Bearing For A Safe Drive?
Wheel bearing remains the crucial yet the most underestimated part of the car supporting braking, steering, and suspension systems. While wheel bearing is destined to last a lifetime with your car, there are instances when you need to change them for a safer drive. Do not procrastinate or ignore the below-mentioned “red flags” when it comes to wheel bearings.
Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearing Needs To Be Changed ASAP
Squealing Noises - Being an iron component, the two biggest enemies of wheel bearings are water and heat. Although the sealants prevent water and debris from reaching the bearing, if the water penetrates through the seal it can leave the wheel bearing to rust and thus produce squealing and growling sounds while you drive. Lack of grease and lubrication can also produce the sounds.
Wobbling Wheels - If your car’s wheels are wobbling even with properly inflated tires and you couldn't find the reason it's probably another red flag. The wheel bearing may be loose causing an imbalance and making the wheels wobble back and forth. In severe cases, you might lose your balance while driving.
Loose Steering Wheel - The wheel bearing attaches the wheel hub to the car’s suspension, facilitating the car to take turns. When the wheel bearing is either rusted, loose, or not working efficiently it may cause vibrations in your steering while driving. The vibrations worsen when you accelerate or take turns left or right. Although there might be other reasons for steering vibrations, wheel bearing remains the major cause.
Uneven Tire Wear - Whether it's summer, all-season, or winter car tires, inefficient or loose wheel bearings have a direct impact on the tires and can cause uneven wear patterns on the tires. Therefore it is often recommended to check your car tires frequently for safe drives.
Increased Heat - The rolling resistance caused due to rusted or improper wheel bearings will create heat due to roughness and friction as and when you push the brakes. This friction will cause your car wheels to heat (more than usual) and even may lead to ABS failure in the long run.
Looseness - Less precise driving experience. In a mechanic’s dictionary, it is looseness. When you are not able to operate the vehicle as precisely as it should be. You feel as if your car is less spontaneous while braking or turning. This is the very first sign of a faulty wheel bearing.
Upgrade Your Car For Holiday Season And Long Drives
As the holiday season is around the corner, upgrade your car for long drives with the best winter wheel and tire packages and the wheel bearings (if faulty). Do not wait until the last moment to upgrade your car for snowy roads. Be ready with the best-ever tires, wheels and fitments exclusively from Click It Wheels.
Don’t forget to read What To Check While Buying A Set Of Winter Tire?