WHY IS PROPER WHEEL ALIGNMENT SO IMPORTANT?
WHY IS PROPER WHEEL ALIGNMENT SO IMPORTANT?
Posted on June 11, 2023
Proper wheel alignment on your vehicle provides many benefits, and thus is incredibly important to maintain as a regular maintenance check. Wheel and tire alignment makes certain that your tires are operating to their peak potential, and helps to prevent unnecessary premature wear that can be avoided. Alignment is all about the angles of the suspension, which connects your wheels to your vehicle, where even the smallest happenings can greatly affect their position, and thus performance. Learn more, with us at Southside Dodge, about how your alignment can get thrown off, when you should come in for a check, and how we resolve these issues.
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What Causes an Alignment to Change?
Misalignment of your vehicle can come from multiple sources, whether that be you, hazards of the road or parts inside the vehicle. Take note of these common wheel alignment issues, and should they happen to you or you notice them, then you’ll know it’s time for an alignment check.
- Hitting potholes, curbs, or going too fast over a speed bump.
- Accidents, big and small, even if it didn’t cause any exterior damage, it could still have shifted your alignment.
- Worn down suspension parts, like shocks and struts, which can affect alignment.
- Vehicle modifications, as this can necessitate changing the suspension and thus a misalignment on your vehicle.
When Should You Get a Wheel Alignment Check?
There are many signs to look out for that means it’s time to get your alignment checked. As our previous section touched upon, obviously if your vehicle has recently hit something that’s the top sign that you should come in for a check, but there’s other subtle signs, too. These include:
- Your steering pulls you toward one specific side.
- Your steering wheel feels unstable in your hands.
- Your steering wheel gives off a vibration.
- Your vehicle ride is noticeably different or “rougher” than before.
- Your fuel efficiency isn’t as good as it used to be.
- Your tires are producing uneven wear.
- You have new tires installed.
- You have new suspension, parts or modifications installed.
How are Wheel Alignments Corrected?
Correcting a wheel alignment is all about properly lining up your vehicle’s wheels and axles, ensuring that they’re all working in concert together and toward the same direction. Our skilled technicians will work to adjust the angles of the suspension and tires to set the proper position, along with the steering wheel. These suspension angles are known and defined as the following:
- Camber: Inward/outward angle of tire, when looking from the front. Helps to stabilize the vehicle when cornering, as well as extending the life of the tire treads.
- Caster: Steering axis, when looking from the side. Helps to stabilize at top speeds, balance steering and for cornering.
- Toe: Inward/outward angle, when looking from above. Helps to provide a comfortable ride and longer tread life.
- Tire Balancing: Provides for a ride that is both smooth and stable.
Get a Wheel Alignment at Southside Dodge
If you’ve experienced any of the above signs that it’s time for a wheel alignment, our skilled service team here at Southside Dodge in Red Deer can check and correct your vehicle for you. It’s always a good idea to include wheel alignment checks as part of your regular scheduled maintenance, so you can address any issues before they become serious. Book an appointment with our service centre now, or contact us with any further alignment questions you may have.