Ensuring a safe, smooth, and straight ride is essential for an optimal driving experience. Wheel alignment is a crucial maintenance service that improves your vehicle’s stability and handling.
Regular car service is important for maintaining your vehicle’s performance, safety, and durability. Find below more about wheel alignment and why you should not skip it.
What is Car Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is a mechanical service wherein the technician adjusts the suspension angles. This adjustment ensures that your car’s tyres are in sync with each other and the road ensuring straight and safe driving.
The 4 angles include:
Toe: The angle at which the front of the tires is pointed relative to the back when viewed from above.
Caster: The angle between the steering axis and the vertical line when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the wheel that can be viewed from the front.
Thrust: The angle is the alignment of the rear wheels in relation to the centerline of the vehicle.
What are the Signs Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment?
While wheel alignment must be performed periodically, if you notice any of the below signs, you may need to get it done immediately:
- Uneven Tire Wear: If you notice that the tire tread is wearing down unevenly, it’s a clear sign that your car wheels are misaligned.
- Car Pulls to One Side: When driving on a straight road, if your car consistently drifts or pulls to one side, it may be due to misaligned wheels.
- Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight, or if it’s tilted to one side, it suggests that your wheels need alignment.
- Vibrating Steering Wheel: A steering wheel that vibrates while driving, especially at higher speeds, can be a sign of misaligned wheels or other suspension issues.
- Squealing Tires: If you hear your tires squealing while driving or turning, it could be due to misalignment causing them to make uneven contact with the road.
If you notice any of these signs, you must visit a professional car mechanic near me.
What is the Importance of Wheel Alignment?
Proper wheel alignment is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety. Find below its various benefits:
- Improved Handling: Proper wheel alignment ensures that your vehicle handles correctly, providing better stability and control, especially during turns and on uneven roads.
- Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear and increased rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Proper alignment helps maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
- Extended Tire Life: Correct wheel alignment prevents uneven tire wear, which can extend the lifespan of your tires.
- Smooth Ride: Properly aligned wheels ensure a smoother and more comfortable ride by reducing vibrations and preventing the vehicle from pulling to one side.
- Safety: Proper alignment contributes to overall vehicle safety by ensuring that the tires maintain optimal contact with the road. Hence, it reduces the risk of accidents caused by poor handling or tire wear.
Car wheel alignment is a crucial aspect of smooth and straight driving.
How Often Should I Get Wheel Alignment Service?
It is generally recommended to get a wheel alignment service every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or 6 months, whichever is early. However, certain factors such as road conditions, driving habits, tire wear, etc., may require you to get this service earlier. You must consult a professional mechanic to inspect your vehicle periodically.
What Happens If I Drive With Misaligned Wheels?
Driving with misaligned wheels can lead to several issues, including:
- Uneven Tire Wear: Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear, reducing the lifespan of your tires and leading to frequent replacements.
- Poor Handling: Your vehicle may pull to one side, making it harder to steer and maintain control, especially during turns or in adverse conditions.
- Increased Fuel Consumption: Misalignment increases rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption and reduced efficiency.
- Suspension Damage: Prolonged driving with misaligned wheels can strain and damage suspension components, leading to costly repairs.
- Safety Risks: Misalignment affects overall vehicle stability and handling, increasing the risk of accidents.
Therefore, you must not skip the wheel alignment service as it plays an important role in ensuring your safety on the road.
What is the Difference Between Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing?
| Factors | Wheel Alignment | Wheel Balancing |
| Purpose | Adjust the angles of the wheels to ensure they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. | Corrects the weight distribution around the wheel and tire assembly to ensure a smooth and vibration-free ride. |
| Benefits | Improved stability & handling | Smooth drive preventing vibrations |
| Frequency | 6,000 to 10,000 miles | After tire change or rotation |
Looking for professional car wheel alignment near me? Visit Auto Car Repair (myTVS)!
Why Should You Choose Auto Car Repair (myTVS) For Wheel Alignment Service?
The multi-brand car service center in Delhi NCR is known for providing a wide range of car repair and maintenance services.
Experienced technicians use modern tools and technology to provide quality results. They perform a comprehensive inspection to diagnose any malfunctioning or broken components. Thereafter, they perform the necessary repairs ensuring optimal performance and safety of your vehicle.
Book your car wheel alignment service in Delhi NCR at Auto Car Repair (myTVS).
How long does a wheel alignment take?
A wheel alignment typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the adjustments needed.
Does wheel alignment affect fuel efficiency?
Yes, proper wheel alignment reduces rolling resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency.
Can I perform a wheel alignment myself?
Wheel alignment requires specialized equipment and expertise. Hence, it is recommended to get it done by a professional mechanic.
