Edmonton Pothole Playbook: Catch Suspension and Alignment Damage Early
Edmonton’s freeze-thaw cycles create potholes that can knock your suspension and alignment out of spec. A single hard hit can start subtle issues that grow into uneven tire wear, poor handling, and higher repair costs. The good news is there are clear signs you can watch for between visits. Use this checklist to decide when to book a suspension and alignment check.
What actually gets affected
A pothole or curb impact can shift factory alignment angles and accelerate wear in steering and suspension parts. Our inspection focuses on confirming the cause before recommending a fix.
Alignment angles: camber, caster, toe
Wear items: tie rod ends, ball joints, control arm bushings, struts/shocks
Wheels and tires: bends, broken belts, and balance issues
Early symptoms you can spot
Small clues now can prevent bigger costs later. If you notice any of these, it is time for a check.
Vehicle pulls or drifts on a flat road
Steering wheel sits off-center while driving straight
Vibration or shimmy at highway speeds
Uneven tire wear: feathering, cupping, one edge wearing faster
Clunks over low-speed bumps
Quick DIY checks between appointments
A few simple checks help you catch issues early.
Compare tire pressure and tread depth left vs right
Note steering wheel position on a straight road
Do a bounce test above each wheel for weak struts/shocks
Listen for metallic clunks on driveways or speed bumps
Why waiting costs more
Misalignment scrubs rubber off your tires and can stress other components. Fixing a small alignment issue now is almost always cheaper than replacing a set of tires early.
When to book
After any hard pothole or curb impact
When installing new tires
If you feel a pull or see uneven wear
After suspension work
Need a suspension or wheel alignment check in Edmonton? Book an appointment and call (780) 465-9435, or you can visit us at 8525 Coronet Road NW.
