Most of the time, a wheel alignment service is not on the top of most driver’s maintenance list. Most vehicle owners know about basic maintenance items, such as oil changes, tune ups, tire rotations, fluid checks, and battery replacement. But because a misalignment problem doesn’t seem to affect the ability to drive their car, some drivers tend to put off a wheel alignment service until they start to notice excessive wear on their tires and possibly problems with the suspension.
Why is the proper wheel alignment important, you ask? A vehicle that is properly alignment means that the wheels are parallel with each other and perpendicular to the road. When a new vehicle rolls off the assembly line, the wheels have been positioned by a computer to be in perfect alignment. Regular tire rotations do help minimize wear and tear, but it won’t compensate for the wear caused by wheels that aren’t angled according to factory specifications.
How often does a car need an alignment service?
When you visit your auto shop for other types of maintenance (such as oil changes, tune ups, or battery replacement), ask your mechanic to check the alignment on your vehicle. A wheel alignment service can be done quickly and at relatively little expense. These are the three main issues your mechanic will check:
- Camber – This is the inward or outward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Too much inward (negative camber) or outward tilt (positive camber) indicates improper alignment.
- Toe-in or toe-out alignment – If you can look straight down at the wheels on your vehicle, this is the extent to which your tires turn inward or outward.
- Caster – This is the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle. The caster angle helps balance steering, stability, and cornering. Positive caster means the steering axis is tilted toward the driver. Negative caster means the steering axis tilts toward the front of the vehicle.
Remember: A correct wheel alignment is important if you want your vehicle to handle well, extend the life of your tires, and drive as safe as possible on the road.
Need to know more about how often does a car need an alignment? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about wheel alignment issues and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
Most of the time, a wheel alignment service is not on the top of most driver’s maintenance list. Most vehicle owners know about basic maintenance items, such as oil changes, tune ups, tire rotations, fluid checks, and battery replacement. But because a misalignment problem doesn’t seem to affect the ability to drive their car, some drivers tend to put off a wheel alignment service until they start to notice excessive wear on their tires and possibly problems with the suspension.
Why is the proper wheel alignment important, you ask? A vehicle that is properly alignment means that the wheels are parallel with each other and perpendicular to the road. When a new vehicle rolls off the assembly line, the wheels have been positioned by a computer to be in perfect alignment. Regular tire rotations do help minimize wear and tear, but it won’t compensate for the wear caused by wheels that aren’t angled according to factory specifications.
How often does a car need an alignment service?
When you visit your auto shop for other types of maintenance (such as oil changes, tune ups, or battery replacement), ask your mechanic to check the alignment on your vehicle. A wheel alignment service can be done quickly and at relatively little expense. These are the three main issues your mechanic will check:
- Camber – This is the inward or outward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Too much inward (negative camber) or outward tilt (positive camber) indicates improper alignment.
- Toe-in or toe-out alignment – If you can look straight down at the wheels on your vehicle, this is the extent to which your tires turn inward or outward.
- Caster – This is the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle. The caster angle helps balance steering, stability, and cornering. Positive caster means the steering axis is tilted toward the driver. Negative caster means the steering axis tilts toward the front of the vehicle.
Remember: A correct wheel alignment is important if you want your vehicle to handle well, extend the life of your tires, and drive as safe as possible on the road.
Need to know more about how often does a car need an alignment? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about wheel alignment issues and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
