The Importance of Wheel Alignment and Balancing
A vehicle’s efficiency depends on all parts functioning properly. Breakage in one component can directly affect other components. A good example is tires. Over time, tires tend to undergo changes that affect weight distribution. Otherwise, the tires will wear out and you may feel vibrations in the steering wheel, seat or running board. Balancing and aligning your tires regularly is important to ensure safety, keep your vehicle performing at its best, and save you time and money.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment refers to the angle between the wheels and the angle of the wheels relative to the body of the vehicle. Adjust the wheel alignment by replacing the vehicle’s suspension. Tires and More tire specialists use state-of-the-art technology to accurately determine the amount of adjustment needed and apply it accordingly.
Importance of Wheel Alignment
Better Fuel Economy
Normally, if the wheels are misaligned, they will not work perfectly. As a result, the engine has to work harder because rolling resistance increases, making the car less fuel efficient. In fact, a misaligned car can reduce fuel economy by up to 10%.
Properly positioned wheels distribute power and torque evenly and save fuel.
Longer Tyre Life
Tires are one of the utmost essential components of a vehicle. Delaying wheel alignment until the last minute can result in the need for new tires more often.
Aligning your wheels and changing tires regularly will help your tires wear evenly, prolong their life, and save money on expensive tire replacements.
Improved Vehicle Steering
Steering a vehicle is often more difficult if the wheels are not properly aligned. Vehicle misalignment may require the steering wheel to be held at an uncomfortable angle for proper steering.
Adjusting the steering to compensate for misalignment is tiring, distracting and increases the risk of a traffic accident.
So, adjust your wheels as needed. Proper wheel alignment helps maintain stable control of the vehicle.
Smoother Ride
Wheels that are out of alignment often collide with each other and even drag while driving. This allows you to feel the effects directly while driving.
If your car’s wheel alignment is out of alignment, the vehicle tends to pull to one side or the other, making it jerky, bumpy, and vibrating.
Adjusting the wheel position will make your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Few Autos Repair
In addition to tires, improperly adjusted wheels affect many other vehicle components. Vehicle components include brakes, suspension, differentials, transmissions and powertrains. Misaligned wheels put more stress on vehicle components, causing more damage and can lead to more expensive car repairs.
By paying a small fee for wheel alignment, you can avoid the need for more expensive car repairs later.
Warranty Coverage
Your vehicle is covered under warranty as long as you perform the necessary maintenance. Tire warranties are usually voided when tires wear out due to poor wheel alignment.
If a vehicle owner doesn’t align their wheels often, it’s negligence. As a general rule, manufacturers are not responsible for premature wear of tires for reasons other than poor quality.
Each vehicle’s alignment specifications are unique and the vehicle manufacturer provides guidelines. However, wheel alignment is beneficial for all vehicle, regardless of make or model.
What Is Wheel Balancing?
Wheel balancing balances the weight of the tire and wheel assembly to keep it running smoothly at high speeds. For balancing, the assembled wheel and tire must be placed on a wheel balancer. Whenever a wheel is first installed on a vehicle with new tires, it must be balanced. The goal is to distribute the weight evenly over all wheels and tires of the vehicle. This process balances the wheels’ heavy and light spots to roll smoothly. Even a small weight difference between the wheels creates enough momentum to cause vibrations in the vehicle.
Importance of Wheel Balancing
Smooth Ride
One of the most noticeable benefits of balancing tires is a smoother ride. Imbalanced tires can create vibrations in the vehicle that can affect drivability and lead to a bumpy and dangerous ride.
A professional tire balancing service can remove these vibrations and give you a smoother, safer ride.
Better Fuel Economy
Not only your ride will be smoother, but balancing your tires will also improve your vehicle’s fuel economy. Imbalanced tires can cause the vehicle to ride unevenly and reduce overall fuel consumption. Balance your tires regularly to save time and money in the long run.
Protected Suspension System
Vibrations from unbalanced tires can get worse over time and adversely affect your vehicle’s suspension system. Tire balancing is important to protect the suspension system from wear.
Longer Tyre Life
Imbalanced tires can lead to uneven handling and uneven tire wear. Uneven tread wear and excessive vibration from unbalanced tires can cause premature tire wear. Properly balancing your tires is key to extending the life of your tires and saving you money.
Wheel balancing and alignment is a good place to start if you’re looking for ways to improve your vehicle’s performance. Make an appointment with your local tire shop today to have your wheels align and balanced.