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Proper wheel alignment consists of an adjustment of the angle in a vehicle’s front and rear wheels so that all wheels remain perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Necessary wheel alignment adjustments will help improve tire life. Wheel alignment, sometimes referred to as breaking or tracking, should be a component to regular vehicle maintenance. During an alignment, a technician will adjust the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the car manufacturer’s specification, resulting in reduced tire wear. Getting wheels aligned will ensure that a vehicle travels in a straight direction.

Signs you Need a Wheel Alignment

When driving, there are signs to look for that will alert you that an alignment is needed. A vehicle may pull to one side or the other when accelerating, instead of going straight forward. Your car will drift to one side, even when you think you’re driving straight. The steering wheel may also vibrate or it isn’t centered when your car is driving straight. If you don’t notice any of these indicators, but perhaps it's been a while since your last alignment, check your owner's manual to see how often the manufacturer recommends having this service and schedule service as soon as possible.

What Causes Wheels to get out of Alignment

The term “alignment” does not refer to your vehicle’s wheels, but rather to the suspension. As part of normal wear and tear, parts of your vehicle's suspension may become worn out and springs can be stretched. A minor accident or running into a curb can affect your suspension, knocking some of the highly calibrated components off-kilter, making your wheels sit at improper angles. An alignment restores these angles to their correct measurements, making sure that your wheels sit straight. During an alignment, a car's wheels and axles are squared with each other so that they’re moving in the same direction. The technician adjusts the various suspension angles —known as toe, thrust, camber and caster — that influence tire movement and position. A technician will also ensure that the steering wheel is centered, fixing any noticeable problems.

Benefits of an Alignment

The most obvious benefit of an alignment is a decrease in tire wear, and when tires do wear down, they'll do so evenly on a properly aligned suspension. Because the cost to replace tires can be quite expensive, whereas an alignment on average costs $50 to $100, getting wheels aligned on a regular basis makes sense to prevent paying the higher price to replace wheels or tires. An alignment will make certain that your vehicle handles properly while driving straight, offering a safer ride for you and those around you. You'll also get better gas mileage because your tires will be properly aligned with the road, decreasing resistance, also saving you money in the long run.

Schedule an appointment to check your wheel alignment today!