WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Did you know that your vehicle’s tires are not placed on completely straight? This is done intentionally to maximize the lifespan of your tires. Each manufacturer specifies some predefined angles to the wheels of their cars, tilting them inward or outward. If your wheels are not tilted properly, it can cause your tires to wear out much faster and compromises the fuel efficiency of your vehicle as well as the safety and smoothness of your drive.
A proper alignment will reduce vibrations and your vehicle will maintain a straight trajectory without pulling to either side of the road. To save money and help the environment, it is important that you get your wheel alignment checked regularly.
WHAT DOES A WHEEL ALIGNMENT ENTAIL?
When you bring your vehicle for a wheel alignment, our technicians perform precise, computerized measurements and adjustments to restore the factory alignment specifications for your vehicle as closely as possible. These measurements include:
Camber:
The inward or outward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This can be positive (outward) or negative (inward). Too much positive or negative camber means your wheels are misaligned.
Toe:
The extent to which your tires tilt in or out when viewed from above. This can be easily remembered if you look down at your feet and point your toes inward and outward. When your tires are angled inward, this is called toe-in alignment, and when they are angled outward, it is toe-out alignment.
Caster:
The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle. Positive caster means the steering axis is tilted toward the driver, while negative caster means the steering access is tilted away from the driver.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO COME IN FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT?
Your vehicle’s alignment could be affected by driving on poorly maintained roads, hitting a curb or driving through potholes. Here are some signs your vehicle needs a wheel alignment:
Your steering wheel is not centered.
Your steering wheels should be centered when you are driving on a straight, flat road. You should be able to recognize if your steering wheel is not centered if the vehicle emblem on the center of your steering wheel is tilted.
Your vehicle pulls to one side or another.
If it takes more effort than usual from your steering wheel to drive straight, this means your vehicle is pulling to one side and that your wheels may be misaligned.
Your steering wheel does not return to center.
After you make a turn, your steering wheel should return to center. If this does not happen as quickly as it should, your vehicle wheel alignment should be checked.
The handling feels loose when driving.
If your car feels loose or sloppy around corners and/or the steering feels unstable, it is crucial that you bring your vehicle in for a suspension inspection and wheel alignment.
