Why Your Car Needs Correct Wheel Alignment

Only when the tyres of your cars are straight, even with each other and heading in the right direction, can the wheel alignment be considered correct. It is extremely important to have correct wheel alignment to ensure the tyres of your car can make proper contact with the road. 

1. Camber 

From the front view of your car, if you see that the tyres are tilted inwards or outwards, that is called camber. For your car to grip the road properly, correct camber is crucial. Without correct camber, your car’s tyres can get damaged unevenly. 

2. Caster 

Now, picture yourself observing your car from the side. Caster refers to the angle of the steering axis. For driving your car straight, the steering wheel must return to the centre after you take turns. Without the correct caster, you cannot drive your vehicle safely. 

3. Toe 

Now imagine you are looking at your car from the top. If any of your car tyres Wolverhampton are pointed inward or outward instead of being perfectly straight, it is called 'toe'. Correct toe means all the tyres are perfectly straight and parallel to each other. Correcting the toe not only makes the tyre wear out faster but also impairs driving. 

Why It Is Important to Have Correct Wheel Alignment 

1. Safety – Correct wheel alignment is an absolute necessity for driving your car safely. Without it, you cannot have full control over your vehicle, and it can significantly impair your driving ability, increasing the risk of accidents. Incorrect wheel alignment can cause your car to pull to one side, which can lead to loss of control. So, while driving, if you sense that your car is not stable and is not responding as expected, refrain from driving and get your car’s wheel alignment checked. 
2. Increases Tyre Life – Correct wheel alignment helps increase the tyre life of your car. When the wheel alignment is correct, all four tyres make even and proper contact with the road. On the other hand, if the wheel alignment is incorrect, pressure on the tyres won’t be equal, which can unevenly damage some parts of the tyres. Often, the reason for faster tyre wear is incorrect wheel alignment. On the other hand, correct wheel alignment helps in increasing the life of the tyres by reducing uneven wear. 
3. Increases Fuel Efficiency – Another advantage of having correct wheel alignment is increased fuel efficiency. The tyres of a car don’t roll smoothly if the wheel alignment is not correct, which increases the rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. The engine can function smoothly only when the tyres roll effortlessly. And when less stress is placed on the engine, the fuel consumption decreases extensively. So, if you want your car to be fuel-efficient, then make sure the wheel alignment is correct.  
4. Comfortable Ride – In addition to facilitating smooth steering operation, proper wheel alignment also helps to avoid steering wheel vibrations. This contributes to a more comfortable and joyful driving experience. 

Signs Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment 

• Car pulls to One Side: When driving, the wheel misalignment is clearly not correct if your car pulls to one side or if the steering wheel tilts to the left or right, even when you are holding it straight. 
• Uneven or Rapid Tyre Wear: If, out of your four tyres, one tyre is more damaged compared to the others, then the odds are the wheel alignment is not correct. 
• Vibrating Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel vibrates excessively or trembles, then the probable cause is that the tyres of your car are not making proper contact with the road. This often happens when the wheel alignment is off.  
• Squealing Tyres When Turning: If you hear unfamiliar noises, especially when you are cornering your car, then wheel misalignment is most likely the cause of such strange noises. 

When Should You Get Wheel Alignment Done? 

• You should get your car's wheel alignment checked at least once a year, or every 10,000–12,000 kilometres. 
• If your vehicle has handling problems, such as pulling, drifting, or uneven tyre wear. 
• If you get your suspension replaced, then you need to align your car's wheels as well. 

Conclusion 

Wheel alignment may seem like a small thing, but for driving safely, getting it right is highly crucial. Proper wheel alignment provides superior car performance, safety and enhanced fuel efficiency. So, for a safer and more comfortable ride, be sure to have your car's wheel alignment Wolverhampton checked regularly.