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Dear Jim,

I bought a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE about two years ago. At the time, it had a slight pull to the left, so the dealer performed a wheel alignment. Since then, I've had to get two more wheel alignments and now I need another one. Each time, the mechanic says he can't find any underlying problem. I even took the car to a tire shop to see if it was the tires causing this, but to no avail. I'm not an aggressive driver, so I don't understand why I would need a wheel alignment every six months. What do you think?

--Troy Rohrbaugh

First of all, bro, I can tell you there's nothing too complicated about wheel alignments. It's true that shops now use lasers and computers to do them, but those tools are just time-savers. In fact, I've known a couple of good mechanics who have performed alignments in their driveways using only a tape measure and a socket set. I don't recommend actually doing this, but it does show just how simple the procedure really is. A proper alignment job is just a matter of lining up the wheels so the car goes straight when you want it to go straight, and turns when you want it to turn.

The key to solving chronic alignment problems is figuring out what's causing the wheels to drift out of position. Usually it's something like a bent tie rod, an improperly inflated tire or a wheel that's been bumped out of square, but your situation sounds different. Ideally, you should have your car's alignment checked every 10,000 miles, but if you haven't been driving recklessly, it shouldn't require a service every time, and definitely not four alignments in two years.

I'm guessing your Nissan was in an accident before you bought it and the frame was bent. If the frame was damaged and never fully straightened, it could easily cause the front and rear tires to pull against each other and throw off the car's alignment. Ask your next mechanic to look for previous frame damage, as well as worn tie rod ends -- another possibility. And, brother, consider ordering a $20 Carfax report on the vehicle. There may be a well-documented fender-bender in your car's past.

Tip of the Week:

Not only can bad wheel alignment make steering a hassle, it can also cut your vehicle's fuel efficiency by 20 percent -- one more reason not to put off that repair.

Buffalo Jim, owner of Allstate Auto & Marine Repair in Las Vegas, writes a weekly column. Send your automotive questions to him at buffalojim@lasvegasniftynickel.com. If Jim picks your question to answer in Nuts & Bolts, you'll also be the proud recipient of a deck of official Buffalo Jim playing cards, presented in a classy, tin box bearing his hairy image.

Council of the Blind meeting

The Pahrump Valley Chapter of the Nevada Council of the Blind will hold its monthly meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Pahrump Senior Center.

Rick Hulhmey, political advocate for the Nevada Council of the Blind, is the scheduled guest speaker.

Call Jim Kvool at 751-5730 for more information.

Teen night

The Nye Communities Coalition, in partnership with St. Martin's in the Desert Episcopal Church, will host a teen night from 6-9 p.m. June 22 at the Pahrump Town Pool.

Middle- through high school-age students are invited to come out for an evening of free swimming, food and fun. This is an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free event.

For more information, call Julie Platson at 537-1115 or the coalition office at 727-9970.

June family night

The Nye Communities Coalition, in partnership with St. Martin's in the Desert Episcopal Church, will host a family night from 6-9 p.m. June 25 at the Pahrump Town Pool.

Families (children accompanied by a parent or adult guardian) are invited to an evening of free swimming, food and fun. This is an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free event.

For more information, call Julie Platson at 537-1115 or the coalition office at 727-9970.

Vacation Bible school

A Vacation Bible school will be held from 5-8 p.m. June 25-29 at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 1591 Bridger St.

Call 537-1587 for more information.