Alignment is the term used to describe the process of adjusting a vehicle’s suspension—the mechanism that links the car to its wheels. It is necessary to modify the tire angles to achieve optimum alignment since this impacts how they contact the road. Tire alignment may help your tires function correctly and last longer by ensuring that they are in perfect alignment.
There are a few signs that will tell you whether you need a tire alignment. Uneven tread wear and off-center steering wheel while going straight may cause your vehicle to pull to the left or right, and steering wheel vibration is all signs.
If you observe one or more of these symptoms, you should get your alignment checked by a professional service technician as soon as possible.
3 Main Concerns in Tire Alignment
To properly align your tires, a technician must consider the following factors:
1. Caster
The caster angle is the angle of the steering axis as seen from the side of the vehicle. The steering axis tilts towards the driver when you have a positive caster, whereas a negative caster causes it to tilt away from you. Balance, stability, and cornering may all be achieved with the correct caster angle of your vehicle.
2. Toe
The degree to which your tires roll inward or outward when seen above is referred to as toe alignment. Toe-out alignment is achieved by angling them inward towards the centre of your body. Toe-in alignment occurs when the tires of your vehicle are tilted in the same direction. Both cases need to be adjusted.
3. Camber
Excessive inward or outward tilt, also known as negative and positive camber, indicates alignment problems and must be corrected. Camber misalignment may be caused by worn bearings, ball joints, and other wheel suspension components. This is the tire angle as seen from the front of the vehicle.
Specific Types of Tread Wear Due to Misalignment
Uneven and premature tire wear might be the result of misaligned tires. The following are examples of excessive tread wear caused by misalignment:
1. Heel or Toe Wear
Heel or toe wear may indicate underinflation or a lack of rotation. This occurs when one side of your tread block wears down faster than the other. When you run your fingers over the tread from the side, it will appear and feel like saw teeth.
2. Feathering
When a tire’s tread is smooth on one side and sharp on the other, it is said to be “feathered.” This is frequently caused by improper toe alignment.
3. Camber Wear
The inner or outside of the tread is worn than the centre of the tread due to tread wear. This form of wear is caused by positive or negative camber, as the name suggests.
If you see any of these odd wear patterns, you should get your alignment checked. While preventing tire wear is an excellent reason to keep your wheel alignment in order, the effects of misalignment may also be seen in overall vehicle performance. A vehicle that pulls to one side or steers erratically, for example, is most likely suffering from an alignment issue.
4. Tire Balancing
Tire or wheel imbalances may be classified into two types: static (single plane) and dynamic (multiple planes). Static balance is concerned with equilibrium on a single plane—vertical movement. On the other hand, a dynamic imbalance involves balance in two planes of motion: vertical and lateral. To help balance things out, both need the usage of a specific balancing machine.
Tires should be balanced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles to improve their lifetime and overall performance. To begin balancing your tires, a technician will place them on the proper rims and adjust the pressure to the appropriate inflation level. A machine spins the wheel at high speed to determine the degree of the wheel and tire imbalances.
Conclusion
Making sure your vehicle’s wheels are correctly aligned should be a top concern for you. If you do not obtain a wheel alignment service, you may experience suspension and steering problems. Misaligned wheels place undue strain on your tires and mechanical components. It is highly harmful to your car.
If you’re seeking an auto repair shop that provides wheel alignment services, you’ve arrived at the correct location. The team here at Limitless Tires is committed to providing our customers with the most excellent level of service that you have ever experienced from a car repair business in Calgary, AB. To learn more about how we can assist you, please contact our team directly now.