Wheel Alignment Specialists: Extend Tire Life and Improve Safety
Wheel alignment, also called tire alignment, helps align the positioning of tires and adjust their angle to ensure maximized contact with the road. Wheels lose proper alignment over time, especially when driven on rough, uneven roads.
We offer computerized wheel alignment that guarantees precision. We understand the importance of wheel alignment for a smooth and safe driving experience. Our experts are ready to help you with any kind of tire maintenance.
Understanding Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is an integral part of suspension maintenance. It applies to old and new vehicles alike, as any vehicle can have misaligned wheels. Vehicles with misaligned wheels will have poor handling, which makes them a safety issue. Potential issues include traction rolling or vibrations in the steering wheel. This becomes apparent when driving on wet or icy roads, where you need maximum traction. Tire wear is also a major concern, as tire treads wear out unevenly. With time, tire wear can get worse, reducing its lifespan.
Wheel adjustment isn’t the type of vehicle maintenance you can do yourself. For precise adjustment, alignment equipment is used with computer programs that check the angles and set them according to manufacturer specifications.
The process of wheel alignment actually includes adjustments in suspension components and the steering system, which essentially handle the wheels. With the right alignment angles, the steering and suspension parts keep tires on the road. While there are tell-tale signs of misaligned wheels, an expert technician can inspect the wheels physically and with equipment to confirm. The experts are well-versed in tire and suspension service, providing tools-assisted wheel alignment and ensuring handling stability and vehicle control.
Types of Wheel Alignment
There are three types of wheel alignment, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Front-End Alignment
This is the most common type of alignment, and it only adjusts the camber and toe of the front wheels. Camber is the angle of the wheels at the top, and toe is the angle of the wheels when viewed from the front.
A front-end alignment is also the most affordable. It’s best for front-wheel drive vehicles. Our technicians can provide front-end alignment for all types of vehicles at a reasonable price.
Rear-End Alignment
Rear-end alignment is the same as front-wheel alignment in that it adjusts the camber and toe of the wheels. However, it’s limited to rear wheels only. Rear-end alignment may be required in vehicles with rear-wheel drive. Our technicians can take care of your rear wheel maintenance, adjusting them to manufacturer-specified angles.
Four-Wheel Alignment
Four-wheel alignment is the most comprehensive, and it adjusts the camber, toe, and caster of all four wheels. A caster is the angle of the steering axis in relation to a vertical line.
A four-wheel alignment is the best choice for most vehicles, even those that are front or rear-wheel drive, as it can improve handling, tire wear, and fuel efficiency. Our experts can test drive your vehicle and recommend whether a four-wheel adjustment is a better option for your vehicle.
Signs That Your Tires Need Alignment
Misalignment of wheels can occur with time, even if you drive responsibly and on smooth roads. It’s not uncommon for new vehicles to experience alignment issues. A hit to the curb or an unexpected pothole can put wheels out of alignment. Look out for the following signs:
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- The vehicle drifts towards one side when driving
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- Uneven wear on the treads
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- Vibrations in the steering wheel
Most drivers may not be able to detect these signs, with the exception of vibrating steering. It’s best to consult with a specialist who has the training to detect these signs and diagnose the issue.
Our technicians physically inspect the tires and drive the vehicle to gauge problems with wheel alignment. They can guide whether your vehicle requires suspension adjustment and tire alignment (two or four wheels).
