If you are experiencing pulling in one direction or vibrations, a tire service professional can conduct an alignment to ensure that your car is properly aligned. Tire or wheel alignment can help your tires last longer and improve handling. Hitting a curb or pothole can throw your vehicle out of alignment and damage your tires. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected. When your vehicle is properly aligned, it not only results in extended tire life, but also better fuel economy and a safer ride.
Why does Alignment Matter?
1. Tire Life. Improper alignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. It’s ideal to have your vehicle aligned to catch and correct misalignment issues before you experience undue tread wear. Alignments help you get full mileage out of your tires!
2. Safe Ride. Poor alignment can lead to your vehicle pulling or drifting on the road. A proper alignment can reduce pull to help make your drive safer.
3. Fuel Economy. Misaligned tires can drag and roll with added friction, increasing fuel usage. An alignment can help to optimize fuel efficiency.
4. Avoid Expensive Repairs. When a vehicle is out of alignment, excessive stress may be put on steering and suspension components. A proper alignment will reduce the wear on your vehicle and help you avoid costly repairs.
How do I know if I need an Alignment?
If you notice any of the following, you should have your alignment checked by a technician.
- Uneven Tread Wear
- Vehicle Pulling to the Left or Right
- Steering wheel is off center when driving straight
- Steering wheel vibration
- Fender Bender or hard impact with a curb
Other reasons for an alignment
- New Tires
- Lower or Lift Vehicle
- Suspension Parts replaced or adjusted
What is checked during an Alignment?
When a technician checks your alignment, he or she is mainly concerned with three things.
1. Camber – the inward or outward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle.
2. Toe – the extent to which your tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above.
3. Caster – the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle.
What may cause my alignment to be off?
The technician often can adjust your alignment by adjusting various parts on your vehicle. However, worn bearings, ball joints, and other wheel-suspension or worn steering parts may contribute to misalignment. In this case, worn parts may have to be replaced.
A misaligned vehicle can cause premature tire wear and damage steering and suspension parts. It can also lead to vibration and poor handling while driving. Have your alignment checked by a professional if you notice any of these symptoms. Call us or Schedule an Appointmenttoday!