What Does a Wheel Alignment Do?

Wheel alignment is one of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance that often gets overlooked by many car owners. When your car’s wheels are properly aligned, it leads to improved handling, better fuel efficiency, and longer tyre life. However, when your car’s wheels are out of alignment, it can lead to a host of problems, including uneven tyre wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and poor handling. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about wheel alignments, including what they are, how to tell if your wheels are out of alignment, and the different types of wheel alignments available.

What is a Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is essentially the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. This is done to ensure that your car drives straight and true, without pulling to one side or the other. The three primary angles that are adjusted during a wheel alignment include camber, caster, and toe.

Camber

Camber is the angle of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the wheel leans outward, it is said to have positive camber. If the top of the wheel leans inward, it is said to have negative camber. Proper camber settings are essential for even tire wear and optimal handling.

Caster

Caster, on the other hand, is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Positive caster refers to the steering axis tilting towards the driver, while negative caster refers to the steering axis tilting towards the front of the vehicle. Caster settings impact steering stability and are particularly important for high-speed driving.

Toe

Finally, toe is the angle of the tyres when viewed from above. Toe refers to whether the wheels are pointing inward, towards each other (toe-in), or outward, away from each other (toe-out). Proper toe settings are essential for uniform tyre wear and optimal handling.

How to Tell if Your Wheels are Out of Alignment

There are several signs that your wheels may be out of alignment, including:

– Your car pulls to one side when you drive
– The steering wheel is off-center when driving on a straight road
– Tyres show uneven wear patterns
– You feel increased vibration in the steering wheel or through the car
– You notice your car drifts or feels unstable at high speeds

If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to get your wheels aligned as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle.

Types of Wheel Alignments

There are two primary types of wheel alignments- front-end and four-wheel.

Front-end alignment adjusts only the front wheels, which includes the camber, caster, and toe angles. This type of alignment is suitable for cars with a solid rear axle since the rear wheels cannot be adjusted. Front-end alignments are typically less expensive than four-wheel alignments since they require less time and effort.

Four-wheel alignment, also known as all-wheel alignment, adjusts all four wheels – including the front and rear ones. Four-wheel alignments are necessary for vehicles with independent suspension systems or those with adjustable suspension components. During a four-wheel alignment, technicians adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles on all four wheels, ensuring optimal handling and tyre wear.

In conclusion, wheel alignment is an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance that should not be ignored. Timely alignment of your car wheels can save you money and keep you safe while driving. It is essential to understand what wheel alignment is, how to tell if your wheels are out of alignment, and the different types of wheel alignments available. By being proactive about alignment, you can extend the life of your tyres, improve your car’s handling, and increase your safety on the road.