Having a car means more than just a mode of transportation. It is your reliable companion, taking you on rides, keeping you safe, and ensuring a smooth and comfortable drive. To maintain its performance and longevity, you must understand the importance of car wheel alignment.
Read on to learn about wheel alignment, why it is important, the steps involved in aligning wheels, and how often you should look for wheel alignment services near me.
Wheel alignment, also known as tyre alignment or car alignment, refers to adjusting the angles of the car’s wheels. This ensures that the wheels stay parallel and perpendicular to the ground.
When the wheels are properly aligned, uniform tire wear and balanced handling result, giving a smoother and safer driving experience.
An out-of-alignment car exhibits the following signs that indicate the need for wheel alignment-
If some tires wear down faster than others, it indicates misaligned wheels. Misalignment causes uneven pressure on the tyres, which leads to irregular wear patterns.
Vibrations in the steering wheel at certain speeds or while turning can mean alignment issues. Misaligned wheels create imbalances that transmit vibrations down the steering system.
If your car is pulled to one side when driving straight on a level road, it signals towards misaligned wheels. This pulling can cause your car to veer off course.
When your car drifts or wanders without your input, it clearly indicates alignment issues. Properly aligned wheels must keep your car moving straight with a centered steering wheel.
If your car becomes less stable or harder to control, it is probably due to alignment issues. It would be challenging to keep it on the intended path in places like turns or highways.
If you are a car owner facing these issues, find expert services for computerised wheel alignment near me now!
The wheel alignment involves several steps to ensure that the car drives straight, handles well, and enhances the lifespan of the tires. Let’s take a closer look at these crucial steps:
The process starts with thoroughly inspecting your car, including the tires, suspension components, and steering system. This helps identify the existing issues that may affect the alignment procedure.
With the use of specialized equipment, sensors are mounted on the car’s wheels, which collect data throughout the alignment process.
Your vehicle is driven onto an alignment rack, which provides a stable surface for the alignment process and ensures that it is at the right level.
Before any adjustments, the mechanic measures the alignment settings of your car’s wheels, including assessing the camber, caster, and toe angles.
Determining how often you need to check your wheel alignment is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety. Here is how you can decide-
Schedule a wheel alignment check annually as a general rule of thumb. This helps detect gradual misalignment due to regular driving.
Pay attention to uneven tire wear, steering vibrations, or pulling to one side. If you find any signs, inspect your alignment immediately instead of waiting for your yearly check.
Check your alignment immediately if your car experiences a significant impact, such as hitting a large pothole or curb. Such incidents can knock your wheels out of alignment.
Whenever you replace the tires, consider it time to have your wheel alignment inspected and adjusted if needed. New tires on a misaligned vehicle can wear unevenly and reduce their lifespan.
Understanding wheel alignment helps maintain your vehicle’s safety, performance, and efficiency. Regular alignments maximize the tire lifespan, enhance handling, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure a smoother ride.
If you’re looking for the best wheel alignment services near me, Premium Auto Services is here to help! Book a car service today and let our experts do the rest!