24/12/2017
A smooth, straight drive is something many of us take for granted. However, if you've noticed your vehicle veering off course, or if your tyres are showing premature or uneven wear, it's a strong indication that your wheel alignment might be off. This seemingly minor issue can lead to a host of problems, from reduced fuel efficiency to accelerated tyre degradation and compromised handling. At Tirecraft Fort McMurray, we understand the importance of maintaining proper wheel alignment, and our expert technicians are here to ensure your vehicle performs at its best.
When Should You Consider a Wheel Alignment?
Several tell-tale signs suggest it's time for a professional wheel alignment. Ignoring these can result in more significant and costly repairs down the line. Be vigilant for the following:
- Vehicle Pulling: If you find yourself constantly having to correct the steering wheel to keep your car driving in a straight line, this is a classic symptom of misaligned wheels. The pull can be towards the left or right, and it's often more noticeable on a flat road.
- Uneven Tyre Wear: Examine your tyres closely. Are certain areas of the tread wearing down much faster than others? Common patterns include feathering (where the tread blocks are worn on one edge), cupping (a scalloped pattern), or excessive wear on the inner or outer edges of the tyre. This is a direct consequence of wheels not pointing in the correct direction.
- Crooked Steering Wheel: Even when you're driving straight, is your steering wheel noticeably off-centre? This misalignment in the steering wheel often mirrors the misalignment of the wheels themselves.
- Recent Tyre Replacement: When you fit new tyres, it's an excellent opportunity to have your alignment checked. New tyres are expensive, and ensuring they are fitted to properly aligned wheels will help maximise their lifespan and performance.
- Post-Collision Check: If your vehicle has been involved in any kind of collision, even a minor one, the impact can easily knock your wheels out of alignment. It's crucial to have this checked as soon as possible after an accident.
- Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: If you've had any work done on your steering or suspension system, such as replacing tie rods, control arms, bushings, or an idler arm, a wheel alignment is essential. These components directly influence wheel positioning.
- New Vehicle Break-in: It's good practice to have your alignment checked after the first 3,000 km on a new car. While manufacturers aim for precise alignment from the factory, the settling of new components can sometimes cause minor shifts.
- Front-Wheel Drive Trans-axle Repair: For front-wheel-drive vehicles, having a trans-axle repair often necessitates a thorough alignment check to ensure everything is correctly positioned.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Wheel Alignment
A wheel alignment is not about adjusting the wheels themselves, but rather the suspension angles that control the direction and angle of the wheels. During a wheel alignment service, our technicians adjust the three key angles that determine how your wheels interact with the road:
The Three Pillars of Alignment:
| Alignment Angle | Description | Effect of Misalignment |
|---|---|---|
| Camber | This refers to the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel when viewed from the front of the car. It's measured in degrees. A positive camber means the top of the wheel tilts outward, while a negative camber means it tilts inward. Zero camber means the wheel is perfectly vertical. | Excessive positive or negative camber can cause rapid wear on the inner or outer edges of the tyre, respectively. It can also affect steering stability. |
| Caster | Caster is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. It's the forward or backward tilt of the steering pivot. Positive caster helps with straight-line stability and self-centring of the steering wheel after a turn. | Incorrect caster can lead to steering that feels light or heavy, and it can cause the vehicle to drift or wander. It can also make the steering wheel not return to centre properly. |
| Toe | Toe refers to the direction the wheels are pointing when viewed from above. "Toe-in" means the front edges of the wheels are closer together than the rear edges. "Toe-out" means the front edges are farther apart. Zero toe means the wheels are perfectly parallel. | "Toe-in" can cause tyre scrubbing and increased wear on the outer edges. "Toe-out" can lead to tyre scrubbing and wear on the inner edges. Both can cause the vehicle to dart or wander. |
During an alignment, our technicians use specialised equipment to measure these angles and adjust them to meet the original manufacturer's specifications. This ensures that your wheels are pointing in the correct direction, sitting at the optimal angle, and contributing to safe and efficient driving.
The Wheel Alignment Process at Tirecraft
A typical wheel alignment service at Tirecraft Fort McMurray takes approximately 30 minutes. Our process is thorough and designed to get your vehicle back on the road safely:
- Initial Inspection: We begin with a comprehensive check of your tyres, including pressure and wear patterns, as well as a visual inspection of your steering and suspension components for any obvious damage or wear.
- Equipment Setup: Your vehicle is placed on a specialised alignment rack, and sensors are attached to each wheel. These sensors communicate with a computerised system.
- Data Measurement: The system measures the current camber, caster, and toe angles of all four wheels.
- Adjustment: Based on the manufacturer's specifications for your specific vehicle, our technicians make precise adjustments to the relevant suspension components to bring the angles back into alignment. This often involves adjusting tie rods and other linkage points.
- Final Check: Once adjustments are complete, the system re-measures the angles to confirm they are within the specified tolerances.
Advanced Technology: Steering Angle Sensors
Many modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems, including stability control and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). These systems rely on accurate information from a steering angle sensor, which monitors the position of your steering wheel. For vehicles with these features, a crucial step after a wheel alignment is to reset this sensor. Our technicians at Tirecraft are trained to perform this reset, ensuring that your vehicle's advanced safety systems continue to function correctly after the alignment service.
Important Considerations for Optimal Alignment
To ensure the best possible outcome from your wheel alignment, keep these points in mind:
- Tyre Condition: All tyres on your vehicle should ideally be of the same size, type, and brand, and they must be properly inflated. Mismatched or improperly inflated tyres can affect the alignment readings and the overall driving experience.
- Four-Wheel Alignment: While rear-wheel-drive vehicles often have non-adjustable rear suspension, it's still vital to ensure the rear wheels are tracking correctly. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, a four-wheel alignment is always recommended. This ensures that all wheels are working in harmony, providing the best stability and tyre wear.
- Regular Checks: To maintain optimal performance and prevent premature tyre wear, it's advisable to have your wheel alignment checked every six months or approximately every 10,000 km. Regular checks can catch minor issues before they become major problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does a wheel alignment typically take?
A1: A standard wheel alignment usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the adjustments required and the vehicle's specific systems.
Q2: Will a wheel alignment fix my tyre wear issues?
A2: A wheel alignment is crucial for correcting uneven tyre wear. However, if your tyres are already significantly damaged due to misalignment, they may need to be replaced.
Q3: Do I need a wheel alignment after hitting a pothole?
A3: Yes, hitting a pothole can easily knock your wheels out of alignment. It's a good idea to have it checked if you suspect you've impacted a pothole with significant force.
Q4: Can I do a wheel alignment myself?
A4: While basic checks can be done, precise wheel alignment requires specialised equipment and expertise. We strongly recommend professional service to ensure accurate and safe results.
Q5: How often should I get my wheel alignment checked?
A5: It's recommended to have your alignment checked every six months or every 10,000 km, or whenever you notice signs of misalignment.
Don't let misaligned wheels compromise your safety and your budget. Visit our shop at Tirecraft Fort McMurray today to ensure your wheels are aligned as they should be. Our expert team is ready to provide you with a comprehensive alignment service, keeping your vehicle running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
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