6 Reasons You Really Should Schedule a Wheel Alignment

Michigan’s bumpy and pot-holed roads are knocking your wheels out of alignment faster than you think.

Many drivers are aware that one of the most important routine maintenance tasks they have to keep up on is their oil change. But what about their wheel alignment? Wheel alignments are a recommended routine part of service that should be checked every oil change Ann Arbor and performed if needed, which will be usually once a year. However, many vehicle owners overlook this step without understanding its importance.

Wheel alignments correct a vehicle’s tires and suspension along three key angles: The camber, toe, and caster. Camber is the angle of a wheel if you’re looking at it head-on. The wheels should be perpendicular to the ground, but if the camber is off, the may be angling either toward each other, or away.

Toe is the angle of your tires if you view them from above. Over time, wheels can come out of alignment such that they’re either inward or outward. You want your vehicles tires to be parallel to each other, just as if you were standing with your toes facing forward.

Finally, caster has to do with the position of the steering axis, as viewed from the side of your vehicle, If the steering axis is angled toward the front of the vehicle, his is called a negative caster, and if it is angled back, it is a positive caster. The steering axis should be perfectly vertical, not angled forward or back.

Because alignment affects the entire steering and suspension system, keeping everything balanced is a crucial maintenance step. Here’s why.

1. It prolongs the life of your tires.

Unaligned wheels lead to uneven tread patterns on your tires. If you’re noticing that your tires are wearing down along one edge, this is likely to due to uneven toe or camber. Premature wear on tires not only means you will have to replace them early, it also gives you less traction on the road.

2. It improves the handling of your vehicle.

Poor traction due to uneven tire tread is just one of the effects misalignment can have on a vehicle’s handling. An uneven camber can result in the car pulling to one direction or another. A positive caster can make your steering wheel feel heavy, while a negative caster will make steering feel loose and cause your car to wander.

Wheels that are slightly toe-in or toe-out can actually have advantages, depending on the make and model of a vehicle. Toe-in vehicles have more forward stability, especially at high speeds, and can correct for over-steering. By contrast, toe-out can be better for vehicles with rear-wheel drive, and can make turning easier. These adjustments are only minor, however, and too much in either direction can make your vehicle more difficult to control. A qualified ASE mechanic will know what is best for your vehicle and make sure it is tuned correctly.

3. It leads to a smoother ride.

Wheel alignment has a direct impact not just on how a vehicle handles, but how it feels. Wheels that are severely out of alignment will contribute to a ride that feels more shaky. As a driver, when your alignment is off, you may be able to feel the vibrations through the steering wheel. You may also find yourself having to make frequent steering adjustments if your car keeps pulling to one side or drifting. This can lead to a less comfortable ride for your passengers, and a more tiring drive for you.

4. It gives you better gas milage.

When your wheels aren’t making good contact with the road, it means your car has to work harder to gain speed and traction. This takes a toll on your fuel efficiency. So, if you’re trying to save money by not aligning your tires, you’re probably losing it again at the pump.

5. It’s necessary if you’re switching tires.

Many Michigan drivers switch tires between summer and winter. While it’s possible to do this yourself, one of the big advantages to bringing your vehicle in to a professional is because your wheels will need to be aligned afterwards—and that’s much harder to do from home. A qualified auto mechanic can make the correct adjustments for wheel size and tread so that your vehicle tires are making the right contact with the road.

6. It reduces strain on your suspension system.

Poorly balanced tires are for your suspension system what poor posture is for your back. If your wheels have poor camber or caster, it means they won’t be absorbing the shock from the road as well. This will transfer more of the load to other parts of your suspension, causing them to wear down faster.

Wheel alignments are quick, cheap, and worth every penny.

Wheel alignments are a necessary part of vehicle maintenance and should be checked every other oil change Ann Arbor, especially in Michigan, where bumpy dirt roads and potholes are common. Fortunately, it’s easy to schedule an alignment, which you should do if you notice any signs that your wheels need adjusting.

Signs your wheels need alignment:

• Your vehicle is pulling or listing to one side.
• You’re noticing vibrations through the steering wheel.
• Your steering wheel is off-center when driving straight.
• Your vehicle is not handling well.
• You notice uneven wear on the tires.
• You have new tires or have just changed tires.
• You’ve been in a fender bender.
• It’s been over a year since your last.

If any of these apply to your vehicle, don’t ignore them. Instead, ask your ASE mechanic for a wheel alignment the next time you bring your vehicle in for an oil change. The service can be performed during an oil change Ann Arbor, and you’ll notice the improvement as soon as you get back behind the wheel.