What is Four Wheel Alignment? Why is it important?
A good four-wheel alignment is one of the most underappreciated car improvements. It’s not the most popular modification for a car but getting it aligned properly can help you save money, improve handling, and make your vehicle safer and faster.
The wheel alignment is exactly what it sounds like ensuring that your wheels are pointing in the correct direction. Your car was delivered to you from the factory pre-configured for a certain handling. The car will stop doing what it used to do if the wheels don’t point in the right direction.
Misaligned Wheels Can Cause a Number of Annoying Symptoms.
You can tell if your wheels are not aligned properly by:
Unusual or Uneven Tire Wear
if you notice that one of your tires is wearing out much faster than the rest, or in a strange way, it could be a sign that the wheel on which it’s mounted is not aligned. Some cars have a problem with the inside shoulder of the tire wearing out before the rest. This type of wear can be particularly annoying because it is not noticeable until you are driving up a ramp.
It is important to have your alignment checked on a regular basis. You can save a lot of cash by getting your wheels aligned.
The Car Pulls to One Side
When the wheel is straight, your car should move in a straight direction. You may have a problem if you are constantly correcting your steering to maintain a straight path.
Misaligned Steering Wheel
When the car is moving straight, the steering wheel should be level and flat. It needs to be adjusted so that it matches the wheels.
Vibrations Through the Steering Wheel
You may be experiencing vibrations in your steering wheel if you experience them constantly. This could indicate a problem with alignment. This can be caused by other issues as well, so it’s best to have a professional look at your car.
When Steering Feels Wrong
Please bear with us as this one is more vague than the other ones. It’s possible that you notice the vehicle isn’t turning right around corners without knowing why. Wheel alignment is one of the many possible causes.
What is the difference between alignment and tracking?
Most likely, you have heard someone refer to having the tracking system of a vehicle checked. This is an old term for something similar. In the past “tracking”, often meant only getting one measurement of the front wheels. This is not the case anymore, but you should be sure to specify this when you book your car.
It is worth having both axles inspected as your rear wheels play an important role in your car’s stability and handling. It doesn’t matter what your garage calls the process. You should confirm that it is done on an alignment machine.
This post was written by a professional at Wheel Paradise. Wheel Paradise is a family-owned retail shop providing new aftermarket wheels and tires. We have on-site designers who can work with you on putting together your dream vehicle. We offer most automotive customizations such as lift kits, suspension, lighting and much more. Wheel Paradise also has skilled mechanics ready to help with most mechanical needs. Financing is available. Customer relationship and satisfaction is our ultimate goal! Click here to learn more!
