Proper Wheel Alignment
There are more than 253 million cars and trucks on American roads. Each one of them needs regular wheel alignments.
Not sure of the importance of wheel alignments? Not only does it help prolong the life of your car, but it is a necessary safety precaution.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about wheel alignments.
What Is a Wheel Alignment?
When your wheels are properly aligned, your vehicle can function safely. Almost anything can knock them out of alignment. This could be a bump in the road, a minor accident, or even your driving habits.
Generally, the front wheels are more susceptible to getting knocked out of alignment. However, the back wheels can also get misaligned.
The Alignment Process
The exact process can vary depending on the particular model of vehicle. In general, the process is an elaborate one that tweaks multiple components to adjust the position of the suspension and wheels.
Modern alignment machines have clamps that attach to the wheels. They link to a computer that will make precise measurements.
The caster, camber, thrust, and toe all get adjusted so that the result is the wheels and axles all moving in the same direction.
The Importance of Wheel Alignment
Several problems arise when your vehicle is out of alignment. If ignored and your alignment becomes very bad, you will be able to notice it while you drive.
Veering
You will feel the vehicle pulling in one direction or another. Letting go of the steering wheel will cause the car to immediate veer either left or right. A properly aligned car will coast straight forward.
Vibration
You may also feel a vibration or shaking through the steering wheel if the car isn’t aligned. That vibration you feel is extra movement and components potentially rubbing against each other. This will cause other parts of your suspension to wear out and need replacing.
Uneven Tire Wear
When your car isn’t properly aligned, your tires will wear out unevenly. This will cause you to need tires sooner. When tires wear unevenly, you are at a higher risk of a flat tire on the bald spots.
You will also have reduced traction. This will be especially dangerous if the roads are wet.
Do Not Attempt at Home
This is one of those regular maintenance tasks that you shouldn’t attempt to do yourself. Modern cars have an intricate suspension system that is computer controlled.
You need an experienced professional with the right equipment to perform the service. An advantage of this is that they can install and aligned new tires for you.
Get Your Wheels Aligned Today
Now that you know the importance of wheel alignments, it is time to get your car checked out. Don’t take your care just anywhere, though.
You need to take it to someone who knows what they are doing. Otherwise, you risk them making the problem worse, not better.
Contact us today and let us help you get your vehicle aligned.
