Along with oil changes and battery checks, wheel alignment services are critical for keeping your car in good condition. Proper alignment comes down to exact degrees so it’s not a task you should do on your own; a visual estimate will not suffice. To understand precisely why this service is so important, here's a quick guide.

The Importance of Having Your Wheels Aligned 

The Basics

When a mechanic checks your alignment, here’s what they look for:

• Camber: Responsible for smooth cornering, the correct camber angle provides the right amount of friction and contact for the wheel and the road. The wrong angle will wear out the tires and the connected components.

• Caster: Another factor to smooth cornering, the caster angle also provides stability and balances steering. It affects the steering axis, and it’s an issue if it’s tilted forward or away from the driver.

• Toe: More sensitive than the others, the toe angles are vital for establishing straight-line stability. If viewing a car from above, these angles either narrow and move in toward one another or widen and move outward and away. This is known as “toe in” or “toe out,” respectively.

The Causes of Misalignment

Everything from potholes to bumpy roads can affect your wheel alignment. Even accidentally hitting the curb can cause an issue. Although the changes occur slowly, over time, they add up.

When to Schedule Wheel Alignment Services

If you’re getting new tires installed, you’ll need wheel alignment services to confirm they’re in the correct position. Otherwise, you may wear them out prematurely. You should also have the alignment checked during oil changes, every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. If you have a long commute or travel frequently, you’ll need to have both of these maintenance tasks done before you hit the former.

If it’s been a while since your last wheel alignment, contact Vito’s Auto Tech in New Haven County, CT. This auto repair shop has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Not only are their technicians trained to handle both foreign and domestic brands, but they also use state-of-the-art technology. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (203) 755-0020