Wheel Alignment
Why should my car have an alignment?
On all vehicles the geometry can move out of alignment, this is commonly known as misalignment.
There are several reasons why cars become misaligned:
- Through everyday driving, but factors such as kerbing, hitting a potholes etc., can alter it dramatically.
- It may have been wrongly adjusted previously.
- Worn suspension parts.
Wheel Alignment Explained
Wheel Alignment should be checked whenever suspension components installed, when the vehicle has encountered a major road hazard or curb and any time unusual tire wear patterns appear.
Wheel Alignment is the Measurement of complex suspension angles and the adjustment of a variety of suspension components. It is a suspension-tuning tool which greatly influences the vehicle's handling and tire wear.
Wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground, thus maximizing tire life and ensures straight and true tracking along a straight and level road.
The primary static suspension angles that need to be measured and adjusted are caster, camber, toe and thrust angle.
Reduced Tyre Wear
Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tyre wear. Over the years, a properly aligned car can add thousands of miles to tyre life. So incorrectly aligned wheels end up costing you more than the alignment costs!!!
Improved Handling
Does your car pull to one side? Does the steering wheel vibrate? Do you constantly have to move the steering wheel to keep your car traveling straight ahead? Many handling problems can be corrected by total alignment, giving you the driver a better more enjoyable and safer driving experience. With all the system components aligned properly, road shock is more efficiently absorbed for a smoother ride.
Saves Money & Environment
By preventing premature tyre wear (and early tyre disposal) and improving fuel economy/ CO2 emissions, it not only reduces the cost of motoring - putting more money in your pocket, but helps the environment too! Improved Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption reduces as the drag on the tyres (rolling resistance) decreases. Four wheel alignment sets the wheels straight/parallel, which along with correct tyre pressures, minimises the rolling resistance.
Safer Driving
Misalignment will make the car less stable when taking emergency or evasive action.
A suspension system inspection is part of an alignment procedure, therefore potentially allows worn parts to be spotted before they cause a more costly problem.