Recently we had our car in the shop for a bunch of necessary fixings. Funny thing was, after we took it home we noticed a rumbling noise that we didn’t hear as much before. Noises can be difficult to describe, so we tried to think of words that would explain it as well as symptoms for when it would be strongest.

It was a turning sound, a rumbling of sorts, it sounded like the Engine’s revolutions in high gear. It became noticeable at speeds higher than 40 miles an hour, and increased in tempo as the car went faster.  Was something very wrong here? Perhaps they didn’t put something back right? Raizy thought it was more of a tire sound than an engine sound, but we couldn’t quite figure it out.

So we went back to the shop and shared what we’ve been hearing. The guy listened a bit, then walked over to the car and felt around the tires. This was his diagnosis:

One of the things we did for you on this car was a much needed alignment. One wheel was way off veering to the right. So we lined the wheels up straight. The problem is that all this time your wheels were crooked, your tires were wearing wrong, especially that one tire. You could say: it was rubbing the wrong way. The alignment sure lined the wheels up straight, but the tire wear is still crooked. You got plenty of tread, so no need to change the tire now, but it will take a a bunch of miles running on the tire to get that crooked wear smoothed out. The more you drive on it, the less road noise you’ll hear.

As soon as this guy explained it – ideas about Teshuvah went off in my head. Yes, now and then we need a re-alignment of our values and choices, our priorities in life. But even with major shifts in our alignment, which are huge life-changers, it may take more time for the tire to catch up. There are habits and tendencies which form, and keep trying to pull us back that way. It can be a noisy transition. And one of the best things we can do for it is to keep driving. Keep turning! Hopefully, eventually that old habit will wear down for a smoother ride.