Wheel alignment is one of those things that you’re not sure that you need until you go without it for too long – kind of like a nice, warm bath! Because wheel alignment can go by many different names, like “tracking” and the more ambiguous term “braking,” you might even be unclear about what wheel alignment entails.
What the Heck is Wheel Alignment Anyway?
In essence, wheel alignment is adjusting the angles of all four of your vehicle’s wheels to the manufacturer’s standards.
Since so many of today’s vehicles have advanced driver assistance systems (e.g., electronic stability control) that depend on proper alignment, fixing mechanical alignment issues and getting an electronic reset from All Around Auto Repair post-alignement is essential.
Getting an alignment reduces tire tread wear, which can improve the safety of your ride and increase the longevity of your tires, and can help give you a “truer” alignment.
Car owners who go too long without a wheel alignment (a key component of vehicle maintenance, after all) often find that their vehicle “pulls” to one side or the other – that’s neither efficient nor safe!
Symptoms of Wheel Alignment Issues
One of the first things to realize about alignment issues is that they might not be entirely in your control.
A vehicle’s tracking can get off-kilter because of pothole-ridden roads – there’s not much you can do when you have to be in one particular lane and you see a pothole the size of Wyoming coming up. Brace for impact!
Then again, you literally might not have even seen the cause of your alignment issues coming. Running over a curb one too many times while parallel parking can cause your vehicle’s alignment to get out of whack, but there are subtler, somehow stranger causes for alignment issues.
Having too much weight in your trunk can lower your vehicle’s height and throw off alignment. Taking All Around Auto Repair can also throw off your alignment by putting undue stress on your steering and suspension systems.
Too many curb shots like that can cause your vehicle to feel as though it is pulling heavily to the right or the left when you should be going straight. That’s the most obvious sign of an alignment issue.
Less obvious signs are uneven tire wear (n.b., more on camber wear below) or your tread getting worn down much more than it should based on when you purchased your latest set of tires.
Camber, Toe, and Caster: A Painless Explanation
The camber is the inward and outward angle of your tires when viewed from the front whereas the toe is the extent to which your tires appear to curve inward or outward from above.
In the wheel alignment sense, think about the toe alignment as how your tires would appear if they were your feet and you were looking down. That’s the aptly named toe view with alignment.
The caster is probably the hardest part to understand – the caster is the angle of your vehicle’s steering axis as it appears from the side. What you need to know is that getting your caster properly aligned is critical for steering, cornering, and stability on the highways and byways.
If you notice that the inside and outside of your tires are more worn than the center, then you could be talking about “camber wear.” More generally, squealing tires and a crooked steering wheel when you’re apparently driving straight are tell-tale signs that something isn’t quite right and that you need to take your vehicle in to All Around Auto Repair for an alignment appointment.
The front and rear of your vehicle will be adjusted according to your manufacturer’s camber, caster, and toe angles by ASE-certified, experienced mechanics when you make the pit stop.
For wheel alignment, tire balancing, and tire rotations, schedule an appointment today with All Around Auto Repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is wheel alignment?
Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels to the manufacturer’s standards. Proper alignment is essential for ensuring your vehicle drives straight, prevents uneven tire wear, and keeps your vehicle’s handling smooth.
2. Why is wheel alignment important?
Getting your wheels aligned reduces tire tread wear, improves safety, and extends the life of your tires. Proper alignment also enhances the overall performance of your car, especially for modern vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems, such as electronic stability control.
3. What are the signs that my car needs a wheel alignment?
Common signs that your vehicle may need a wheel alignment include your car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, squealing tires, or a crooked steering wheel when driving straight. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an alignment appointment.
4. Can hitting potholes cause alignment issues?
Yes, driving over potholes or hitting curbs can throw your vehicle’s alignment out of whack. These impacts can affect your steering and suspension systems, leading to alignment issues over time.
5. How often should I get a wheel alignment?
It’s generally recommended to have your wheel alignment checked at least once a year, but you should also get it checked if you notice any symptoms of misalignment, like pulling to one side or uneven tire wear. Regular alignments can extend the life of your tires and improve vehicle safety.
6. Is a wheel alignment the same as tire balancing?
No, wheel alignment and tire balancing are different services. Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels, while tire balancing ensures that your tires spin evenly without causing vibrations. Both are important for smooth driving and tire longevity.
7. What is camber wear, and how does it affect my tires?
Camber wear occurs when the inside or outside of your tires wears down faster than the center. This is a sign of misalignment and can shorten the lifespan of your tires. Getting a wheel alignment can prevent further wear and tear.
8. How does too much weight in the trunk affect alignment?
Carrying excess weight in your trunk can lower your vehicle’s height and disrupt the alignment of your wheels. This additional stress can also impact your steering and suspension systems, leading to alignment issues.
9. Can wheel alignment improve fuel efficiency?
Yes, properly aligned wheels reduce rolling resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels cause your vehicle to work harder, consuming more fuel.
10. What services are offered during a wheel alignment at All Around Auto Repair?
At All Around Auto Repair, ASE-certified mechanics will adjust your vehicle’s camber, caster, and toe angles according to your manufacturer’s specifications. They also offer tire balancing and rotations to ensure your tires are properly maintained for optimal performance.
