Introduction
Wheel alignment is an essential part of car maintenance that often gets overlooked. It's the process of ensuring that all four wheels of your car are pointing in the right direction and are parallel to each other. Proper alignment improves your car's handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life, making it an essential part of keeping your vehicle in top shape.
But what exactly does "wheel alignment" mean?
In simple terms, wheel alignment is the adjustment of the angles of the wheels of a vehicle to ensure they are set to the car manufacturer's specifications. These angles include the camber, caster, and toe.
Cambers
Camber refers to the angle at which the wheels stand vertically. If the top of the wheel is closer to the center of the car, it's considered to have negative camber. On the other hand, if the top of the wheel is farther from the center of the car, it's considered to have positive camber.
Caster
Caster refers to the angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A positive caster means that the steering pivot tilts towards the rear of the car.
Toe
Toe refers to the angle at which the wheels are pointed in relation to the centerline of the vehicle. If the wheels are pointed straight ahead, the toe is said to be "zero" or "neutral."
Click here to understand better how this is done - Car Toe Alignment 101
Why is Wheel Alignment Important?
Your car's wheels take a lot of abuse, from potholes to curbs to everyday wear and tear. Over time, this can cause your wheels to lose their alignment, which can lead to a number of problems. Here are just a few of the benefits of keeping your wheels properly aligned:
Improved fuel efficiency: When your wheels are out of alignment, your car has to work harder to move forward. This can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency, which can end up costing you more money in the long run.
Longer tire life: Improper alignment can cause uneven wear on your tires, which can lead to them wearing out more quickly. This can be costly and can also be dangerous if your tires are not in good condition.
Smoother ride: A properly aligned car will handle better and provide a smoother ride for you and your passengers.
How to Tell if Your Wheels are Out of Alignment
There are a few signs that your wheels may be out of alignment. These include:
Your car pulling to one side or the other while driving
Uneven wear on your tires
A steering wheel that is off-center
A vibration in your steering wheel
How to Fix Wheel Alignment
If you think your car's wheel alignment might be off, it's a good idea to have it checked by a professional.
That's where "AV Tires" comes in. We offer professional wheel alignment service for a great price, and even for free when purchasing 4 new tires. Our experienced technicians will check your alignment and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your car is running smoothly and your tires are wearing evenly.
Don't wait, schedule your appointment today and let "AV Tires" keep your car running like new!