Wheel Alignment: Why It Matters for Your Vehicle’s Performance

Wheel Alignment: Why It Matters for Your Vehicle’s Performance

A vehicle depends on three main components to fulfill its functions: engine, transmission, and wheels. Wheels are one overlooked yet essential part of a vehicle. They play a fundamental role in making a vehicle run. Your safety depends on the condition of the wheels. Therefore, it is essential to have the wheel’s maintenance sorted out.

One important way to ensure wheel maintenance is regular wheel alignment. It is a procedure that helps ensure the health and longevity of the tires and your safety. In this blog, we will discuss the signs you need to look out for when it comes to wheel alignment. And the long-term benefits of timely wheel alignment and maintenance.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is the adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension, the system that connects a vehicle to its tires. Wheel alignment is not related to the wheels themselves; rather, it is the mechanical adjustment of suspension. The suspension is adjusted to influence the angle and direction of the tire’s contact with the road. The manufacturer suggests the optimum adjustment to influence the performance and handling. 

Symptoms of Improper Wheel Alignment

1. Uneven Tire Wear

Uneven tire wear is one of the most noticeable impacts of improper wheel alignment. It puts uneven pressure on the tires, meaning they are not in contact with the road. This means some portion of the tire experiences more wear and this leads to uneven tire wear and shorter tire life.

2. Drifting or Pulling

Do you feel pressure on the steering wheel to keep it straight, or if the vehicle veers to a side on a straight road? Misaligned wheels are the reason behind it. You may need help to keep the vehicle straight.

How often it swerves to one side determines the severity of misalignment. It will be easier for you to control your car and stay in a straight line if you address the issue immediately. So visit an auto repair shop when you experience this issue, as it can become a serious safety hazard.

3. Uneven Steering Wheel

Steering wheel troubles are another easy way to know if you have a lousy wheel alignment. Your car’s steering wheel is designed to be precisely at the center. If it is not, then you have got a wheel alignment issue. You can check the logo on the steering wheel while driving on a straight road. If it doesn’t stay straight, you better visit a mechanic for wheel alignment.

4. Vibrating or Loose Steering Wheel

If the steering goes too far off while turning, it is known as loose steering. It occurs due to misaligned wheels and can sometimes be extremely dangerous. Vibration in the steering wheel could also be caused by bad alignment or imbalanced tires. Both of these things negatively impact handling, and so should be immediately addressed.

5. Tires Squealing

Squealing sounds are another apparent sign of misaligned wheels. Squealing sounds from the tires can occur while accelerating or turning. The sound might be coming due to worn-out brake pads or misaligned wheels. So it is better to submit your car for inspection to determine the problem to avoid possible accidents.

6. Reduced Fuel Efficiency

Misaligned wheels decrease the fuel efficiency of your car. Uneven tires lead to increased rolling resistance. This means that the vehicle must work harder to move forward. This extra effort translates into decreased fuel efficiency. So, when you notice a significant reduction in fuel efficiency, check the car’s alignment.

Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignment:

Regular wheel alignment is vital to ensuring better performance and prolonged life of the tires. Here are some of the key benefits of performing these maintenance procedures.

1. Prolonged Tire Life

This is the significant benefit of regular wheel alignments. The tires are in equal contact with the road thanks to the alignment, so they wear uniformly. This uniform wear prolongs tire life and saves you a lot of money.

2. Better Fuel Efficiency

Wheel alignment enhances fuel efficiency. This is because both tires have equal road contact, which decreases rolling resistance. The vehicle does not have to work hard to move, and less fuel is used, bettering efficiency.

3. Better Handling

Bad alignment leads to issues like veering vehicles and loose steering. When these issues are resolved, you experience better handling and a smoother ride due to a tighter and straighter steering wheel. 

4. Enhanced Safety

The most significant benefit of wheel alignment is enhanced vehicle safety. It gives your vehicle better handling and stability, giving you greater control. This significantly decreases the risk of accidents and ensures your safety.

The benefits of well-aligned tires show how significant this maintenance is. You should never ignore the signs of misaligned tires. It decreases tire performance and longevity and compromises safety. So, get your tires aligned by qualified technicians on a regular basis.

About Cor's Motors

Does your vehicle need wheel alignment? Cor’s Motors in Strathroy, Ontario, is the place to go! We are your reliable and trusted automotive repair facility. As a family-run business providing the best diagnostic service since 1962, we take care of your vehicles as our own.

Our skilled technicians have decades of experience in the repair industry. We have the expertise to service all makes and models of vehicles. So, next time you face any issues with your vehicle, feel free to visit us and experience the finest customer experience at the best price.