Why is wheel alignment important for the performance and safety of your vehicle? This blog will discuss the importance of wheel alignment and the reasons for misaligned wheels, as well as the frequency of checking, and what happens when wheel alignment is inspected.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is the angle of the wheels concerning the body and each other. A professional wheel alignment will adjust your wheels to the best angle possible for safety and performance. All four wheels must be parallel and perpendicular. Camber, toe, and caster are the three major aspects of wheel alignment.
Our one-stop guide to Camber, Toe, and Wheel Alignment will give you a comprehensive overview.
Why Is Wheel Alignment Important?
For several reasons, it is important to align your wheels properly.
- Tire Longevity Uneven tyre wear can lead to premature tire degradation and the need to replace them frequently. The proper alignment of your wheels will extend the life of your tires, saving you money over time.
- Improved Safety and Handling: Proper wheel alignment allows for optimal tire-road contact, improving vehicle handling and safety. This reduces the chance of losing control or skidding, particularly during emergency maneuvers.
- Fuel Economy: Misaligned tires create unnecessary drag which forces the engine to work more and consumes more fuel. Proper alignment can improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and save you money.
- Improved Suspension Performance Misalignment puts additional stress on suspension parts, such as shocks or struts. Aligning your wheels properly will prevent premature wear, and ensure a comfortable ride.
What Are the Causes of Misaligned Wheels?
Misaligned tires can be caused by several factors:
- Normal Wear Over time, different components of the suspension, such as bushings and ball joints, may experience wear. This can affect wheel alignment.
- Bumps and Potholes: Hitting speed bumps or potholes can cause the suspension system to jolt, causing the wheels to be out of alignment.
- Collisions or Accidents: Even minor accidents can result in wheel misalignment. After an accident, it’s important to check your alignment.
- Suspension modifications: Installing aftermarket parts or altering the suspension system without making proper adjustments to alignment can result in wheel misalignment.
How Often Should You Check Your Wheels?
To prevent future problems, it is important to perform regular wheel alignment checks. As a general rule:
Routine maintenance: Car manufacturers recommend that your wheels be aligned once every year or after 10,000 miles. This can be affected by your driving habits and road conditions. If you drive a lot on country roads or off-road, for example, you might need an alignment sooner.
Consult your owner’s guide or a professional to get specific recommendations.
Special Circumstances Some situations may require more frequent inspections, such as when you hit a pothole, notice irregular wear on your tires, or experience handling problems. You should have your alignment checked if you notice any of these symptoms.
This post was written by a professional at Wheel Paradise. Wheel Paradise is a family-owned retail shop providing new aftermarket wheels, rims Sarasota fl, and tires. We have on-site designers who can work with you on putting together your dream vehicle. We offer most automotive customizations such as lift kits, suspension, lighting, and much more. Wheel Paradise also has skilled mechanics ready to help with most mechanical needs. Financing is available. Customer relationship and satisfaction is our ultimate goal!