What You Need to Know About Tire Alignment

Tire alignment, or wheel alignment, is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance that ensures that the wheels of the vehicle are properly aligned with each other and the road surface. This keeps you and others safe, as faulty tire alignment will lead to multiple issues with your vehicle, causing collisions. Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the tires to manufacturer specifications to optimize vehicle handling, tire wear, and overall safety. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know, so you know the signs and process of fixing it.

Importance of Tire Alignment

Proper tire alignment is crucial for a variety of reasons. It promotes even tire wear, which further extends the life of your tire, improves fuel efficiency, and enhances vehicle handling and stability, leading to a smoother and more comfortable ride for you. Misaligned tires can lead to uneven wear patterns, increased rolling resistance, and poor steering response, all leading to a compromise of your safety while on the road.

Signs of Misalignment

There are several signs that may indicate that the tire alignment of your vehicle is not correct. These include excess wear on one side of the tire or in certain areas if your vehicle is pulling to one side, especially while on a straight road, vibrating or shaky steering wheel, or a steering wheel that is not in the center while driving straight. Additionally, if you are hearing your tires make unusual sounds, such as squealing or screeching, that can be a sign that you do not have proper tire alignment. If you notice any of these signs, contact an auto body shop immediately.

Causes of Misalignment

Tire misalignment is not due to one certain issue, there are many factors that lead to misalignment. Some of these include hitting potholes or curbs, normal wear and tear, suspension modifications, and accidents or collisions. All of these are reasonable causes why your car may not have a proper tire alignment, as they often shift the wheels from the positions that they should be in. Therefore, try to avoid these causes by following our top safety tips for drivers (Top Safety Tips for Drivers).

Tire Alignment Maintenance

There are three primary angles within tire alignment, which include camber, toe, and caster alignment. Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of the tire from the front, promoting even tire wear and stable handling. Toe alignment refers to the angle of the tires from above, which promotes straight-line stability and reduces wear and tear. Finally, Caster is the angle of the steering axis from the side, which promotes stability and returnability to the center position after turning. When taking your vehicle to the proper mechanic, they will assess which angle needs resolving, and fix it accordingly.

The main idea you need to know about tire alignment is that it is crucial for vehicle safety, tire performance, and overall driving experience. Therefore, if you believe even a little bit that your tires are out of alignment, contact M&G Body Shop immediately. We have the experience and tools necessary to fix your vehicle back to its former glory, so call today!