Why Wheel Alignment Matters?

Simply put, a wheel alignment corrects the angles of your tyres.

During this service, the suspension parts of your vehicle, such as arms and linkages, are adjusted. These suspension components connect your car to its wheels and keep everything in order.

A wheel alignment service helps ensure your tires make proper contact with the road surface by measuring, analysing and adjusting the steering and suspension angles of your vehicle.

The angles that need to be measured and adjusted are very precise. Even small differences in wheel alignment specifications can have a significant impact on the handling, safety, and performance of your vehicle.

What are the key measurements of a wheel alignment?

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, there are a variety of adjustment methods to choose from. However, the main measurements that need to be taken into account when performing wheel alignment are camber, caster and toe.

Camber

The camber angle refers to the inward or outward tilt of the tyre when viewed from the front of the car. The edges of the tyre will wear more quickly if there’s too much positive or negative camber. Worn suspension components such as springs, shock absorbers, bolt joints, and others can cause a misaligned camber.

Caster

This improves the steering wheel's return to the centre position and straight-line stability. An out-of-adjusted caster may cause the vehicle to pull to one side if the tyre caster angles differ greatly between the two front wheels. Steering effort may also be impacted by the caster.

Toe

Toe alignment refers to how much the wheels are turned in or out from the centre line of the car. Vehicles with excessive toe-in or toe-out may experience rapid tyre wear. The tie-rods, located at each end of the steering rack, or worn-out ball joints can often affect toe alignment.

Why is wheel alignment important?

There are several reasons why proper wheel alignment is important for your car. It generally provides safe and predictable handling attributes to a vehicle and makes sure your tyres are being worn evenly.

A properly performed wheel alignment service can improve your fuel economy. When your car's wheels are out of alignment, your vehicle starts to use more fuel than necessary as the engine will need to work harder to move it.

In addition, aligned wheels can increase the lifespan of your tyres, enhance your car’s stability under heavy braking, and improve its handling and comfort.

Overall, proper wheel alignment is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. It helps ensure safe driving, improves fuel efficiency, extends the life of your tyres, and provides a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

How can I tell if my car needs a wheel alignment?

Besides regular alignments, there are times when you may want to schedule your car for wheel alignment services. These situations include:

• If you perceive a significant change in the vehicle's handling while driving.
• If your vehicle is pulling to one side while the steering wheel is centred.
• Hitting a pothole can damage the suspension or compromise the alignment of your vehicle.
• The vehicle pulls to one side while in motion.
• If you hit a curb while parking.

Book a wheel alignment service with Integrity Tyres

Integrity Tyres is your locally owned and operated automotive tyre, mechanical, and trailer experts, servicing Wangara and the surrounding region, including, Pearsall, Madely, Kewdale, Cannington and Tuart Hill.

You can find our workshops in three suburbs of Perth, including Wangara, Welshpool, and Osborne Park. Phone us on your local store number to book your vehicle today!