Is Wheel Alignment Necessary?

When your wheels are out of alignment, it causes the tires to wear unevenly and reduces fuel economy.

It can also cause problems like wandering down the road, bump steer, brake pulsation, tire cupping, increased hydroplaning and poor cornering – all expensive automotive repairs.

The average tire wear for an alignment problem is 5,500 km. The average repair cost at a dealership to repair the damage from the misalignment is over $1,000. 

That makes an out of alignment car a very expensive proposition – and one that's totally avoidable by simply getting your vehicle's wheels checked regularly and aligned if necessary.

Wheel Alignment Service

Generally, when a vehicle does not drive in a straight line a wheel alignment is recommended.

However, there could be other problems with an alignment issue or a vehicle pulling to one side including wheel balancing, brakes and suspension. Sometimes, unexpectedly hitting a curb can cause wheel damage and throw off the alignment.

To assist drivers in diagnosing a wheel alignment problem, we'll describe some of the common symptoms we see at our shop.

Read on to see what type of wheel alignment you might require.

Common Signs For Wheel Alignment

Here are some common signs that your vehicle may need a wheel alignment:

• Uneven or excessive tire wear: If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, or that they seem to be wearing more quickly than usual, it could be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment.

• Pulling to one side: If you feel like your car is pulling to one side when you're driving, it could be an indication that your wheels are misaligned.

• Crooked steering wheel: If your steering wheel is off-center, or if it's crooked when you're driving straight ahead, it could be a sign of a wheel alignment problem.

• Squealing tires: If your tires are squealing, especially when you're turning, it could be a sign that your wheels are misaligned.

• Reduced fuel efficiency: If you notice that you're getting worse gas mileage than usual, it could be due to a wheel alignment problem.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have your vehicle checked by our wheel alignment shop to determine if a wheel alignment is necessary.

Do Your Wheels Need To Be Aligned?

Ggenerally speaking, if your vehicle pulls to one side, your steering wheel is off center or if it takes extra effort to keep your vehicle on a straight path, then a wheel alignment could be the problem.

We perform three different alignment services:

• Front wheel alignment (both front wheels): 2-front wheel alignment (also known as front-end alignment), means we align both front wheels to ensure the tires are aligned with each another.

• Rear wheel alignment (both rear wheels): 2-rear wheel alignment (also known as rear-end alignment) means we align both rear wheels to ensure the tires are aligned with each another.

• All wheel alignment (all four wheels): 4-wheel alignment, generally on 4x4 or all wheel drive vehicles means we align all four wheels. Just as a front end alignment and rear end alignment to ensure all four wheels are aligned with each other.

Front End Wheel Alignment

Front wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of the angles of the wheels on the front axle of a vehicle so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Proper wheel alignment is crucial for safe driving, tire longevity, and overall vehicle performance.

The three primary angles adjusted during a front wheel alignment are the camber, caster, and toe. Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Caster refers to the angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Toe refers to the angle of the wheels when viewed from above, and it determines whether the wheels are pointing towards or away from each other.

By correcting the caster, camber and toe alignment on your front, rear or all four tires promotes even tire wear, prevents premature tire replacement and keeps your vehicle aligned on the road.

Our garage uses specialized equipment to adjust these angles to the manufacturer's specifications. The process typically involves measuring the current angles of the wheels, adjusting them as needed, and rechecking the measurements to ensure proper alignment.

It is recommended that front wheel alignment be performed at least once a year or whenever there are signs of uneven tire wear, steering wheel vibration, or the vehicle pulling to one side while driving.

Rear End Wheel Alignment

Rear wheel alignment refers to the proper positioning of the rear wheels in relation to the vehicle's frame and each other. Proper alignment ensures that the wheels are pointed in the correct direction, and that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground.

Incorrect alignment can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and decreased fuel efficiency. The three main types of alignment adjustments: camber, toe, and caster are similar to a front wheel alignment. Caster in a front end wheel alignment refers to the angle of the steering axis, which is the imaginary line that runs through the upper and lower ball joints of the suspension.

To ensure proper rear wheel alignment, it is important to have your vehicle checked regularly by a qualified technician. They can use specialized equipment to measure the angles of the wheels and make any necessary adjustments.

Save Money With Our Wheel Alignment Service

Our wheel alignment assists your vehicle's drivability in several ways. Along with extending tire life and saving you the expense of buying new tires, your vehicle drives smooth, straight and takes less effort to drive which equals better fuel economy.

Your tires and wheels are meant to be aligned with each other. If a tire is out of alignment, the vehicle's drivability is under unnecessary stress which can cause further damage to various suspension components leading to costly repairs.

Competitive Wheel Alignment Price For All Makes

Maintaining even wear on your tires will mean a wheel alignment service. Our relied upon mechanics can inspect your wheels to diagnose whether a wheel alignment is needed or a simple tire rotation will do. 

Affordable wheel alignment service is also a concern for many car owners. That's why our mechanics offer competitive prices for our service. If you think your wheels need alignment, contact us for service.