If the steering wheel shakes or the car drifts to one side while driving at a constant speed, there is an issue with the vehicle. Symptoms such as reduced mileage, handling problems, or uneven tire wear suggest that the tires are misaligned or the vehicle is out of balance. These problems, if neglected, can worsen and become more costly to fix.
Hence, prompt car tire alignment and professional balancing should be prioritized. In this post, let’s discuss the underlying causes of misalignment, how a professional tire repair shop helps out, and the role tire balancing and alignment play that most drivers tend to overlook.
Car Tire Alignment: What It Is and Why It Matters
Aligning the wheels of the car is also referred to as car tire alignment, and it involves adjusting the parts of the suspension system so the vehicle wheels are set to a specific angle. Over time, alignment can be thrown off by:
- Harsh roads and potholes
- Accidentally bumping a curb
- Old suspension system parts
- Minor fender benders
Why it matters?
To ensure the correct angle for the tire contact patch, the car needs to be properly aligned. A properly aligned vehicle increases rotational maneuverability, gas consumption, and safety if MI doors are executed properly.
Signs of Poor Alignment include:
- The rapid wearing of tires or uneven tire wear
- Vehicle veers towards left or right
- Slanted steering wheel when driving straight
- Loose feeling or wobbling steering
Experts suggest having alignment checked after every 10,000 – 6,000 km or at minimum once a year.
Choosing the Right Tire Repair Shop
An effective tire repair shop should not only patch flat tires but also offer complete diagnostic and rectifying services for tire-related issues. Thus, look for a shop that has:
- Digital diagnostics for tire alignment
- Tire mounting and rotation with precision
- Balancing of road force
- Competitive Pricing
- Proficient technicians
Pro tip: Newer vehicle models with advanced technology have state-of-the-art alignment systems, which enable them to spot issues of misalignment in tenths of a degree, something crucial for newer models associated with safety features.
Getting your tires adjusted or fixed at the wrong shop can result in dire consequences, such as reduced fuel efficiency or greater chances of tires exploding.
Why Tire Balancing and Alignment Go Hand-in-Hand?
Tire balancing and alignment are often confused, but they solve two different problems:
- Balancing deals with the distribution of weight towards the rim and tire as well as vibration, which is added as weight by means of halting rough edges both along the rim and the tire.
- Alignment guarantees that the angle, as well as the direction towards the road the tire faces, is proper.
Doing one without the other is like tuning half a guitar: it doesn’t make sense. For smooth driving with safety, both need to be taken care of well.
Fact: Statistics from the tire industry indicate properly balanced tires together with aligned tires can reduce fuel consumption by 10% and increase the lifespan of tires by nearly 20%.
Conclusion: Save Your Tires, Spare Your Vehicle Some Damage
Vibrations, uneven tread wear, and steering wheel resistance are indicators that something is wrong with your tires. Properly aligned and balanced tires guarantee an exceptionally smooth ride. Trustworthy tire repair shops offer multi-faceted services that include tire balancing and alignment, suspension repair, and expert car tire alignment. These services, when performed together, guarantee maximum lifespan for tires as well as an overall smoother and safer driving experience.
FAQs
Q1: How often should car tire alignment be checked?
Most cars need to get tire alignment checked every 6,000-10,000 km, at least once a year, or any time you hit something or notice alignment issues.
Q2: What’s the difference between balancing and alignment?
In balancing, the weight in the wheels is redistributed evenly. Alignment refers to changing the positions of the suspension angles relative to the vehicle’s axles.
Q3: How do I know if my tires are unbalanced?
Some of the most common signs of unbalanced tires are steering wheels with unwanted vibrations, uneven tire wear, or shaking rides at various speeds.
Q4: Is it safe to drive with unbalanced tires?
You can still drive, but the ride won’t be smooth. It can increase the chances of premature tire wear and damage the suspension, which is not great.
