Share:

Everyone understands the benefits of doing regular auto maintenance on their vehicle. It keeps everything operating efficiently and protects important components of the vehicle, but one form of maintenance that’s frequently overlooked is wheel alignment services. This helpful service ensures that all of the tires are properly aligned on the axles, so it’s helpful to understand its importance to vehicle maintenance.

What Should You Know About Wheel Alignment?

How are my wheels aligned?

When you take the vehicle to an auto center, they’ll adjust the wheels in three different ways. First, they fix the toe, which is the connection between the front and back of the tires when looking down at them from above. When correctly adjusted, they need to be parallel to each other.

Next is centering the caster which refers to the angle of the steering axis. This process helps improve stability and steering. Finally, the camber is aligned so that the tires sit perfectly perpendicular to the ground.

What happens if my wheels aren’t aligned?

Misaligned tires wear down faster and lead to more frequent repairs because they cause certain parts, such as the suspension and springs, to come under more stress from the tension of the tires pulling in opposite directions. They can also cause the car to pull to one side while driving which makes remaining straight and steering much more difficult. Since the vehicle can’t operate as efficiently with misaligned tires, you’ll also experience a reduction in your miles per gallon.

How often do I need to check my alignment?

Wheel AlignmentIt’s recommended to get a wheel alignment once a year or every 12,000 miles as part of your regular service. However, there are also times that require a re-alignment sooner than that. For instance, always schedule this service when you put new tires on the vehicle. This ensures that they have been installed correctly and helps you to avoid uneven wear on the new set while driving.

What are the signs my wheels are out of alignment?

The most common indicator the wheels aren’t aligned is a drifting to the right or left while driving. Other indicators include the tires squealing when turning, signs of uneven wear during an inspection, or a steering wheel that isn’t centered when you’re driving in a straight line. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, take your car to a mechanic to have them fixed before they become a more significant problem.

 

If your vehicle is overdue for a wheel alignment, then contact the experts at Quick Lane at Jack Kain Ford in Versailles, KY. For more than 40 years, this locally owned business has been helping drivers with a variety of maintenance services. Their highly trained team of mechanics will perform a thorough inspection of your tires and provide a fast and reliable realignment to keep your car protected while out on the road. Schedule an appointment by calling (877) 837-1796 or learn more about their services online.
tracking