For a vehicle’s handling to be good, it is important that the wheels are aligned correctly. When a vehicle’s wheel alignment is out of whack, the risk of tire damage or accidents increases. Wheel alignment inspections are important to prolong the tire life and improve vehicle safety. Car owners in Florida can avoid damaging a brand new set of tires or tires by recognizing the signs of misalignment. Here are some causes and effects associated with improper wheel alignment.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the suspension on your vehicle. The suspension is what allows the vehicle and its wheels to be in sync. A proper alignment involves adjusting the angles of your tires to provide a smoother surface contact with the road. You may need a wheel alignment if you notice uneven wear in the treads on your tires or your car pulling to one side or another, if you have an off-center steering wheel alignment or you feel a slight vibration when you turn the wheel.
Causes
The tires of a vehicle rotate in a straight path when they are correctly aligned. Unintentionally, a car owner may accidentally cause their tires to be out of alignment. This can happen by hitting a pothole or curb, or accidentally striking something on the highway. Wheels can become out of alignment after minor accidents.
A misaligned wheel causes the vehicle’s center to be off, making steering more difficult. Misalignment can be seen in vehicles that vibrate without apparent cause or veer off to one side while driving. When wheels are misaligned, drivers will find it harder to drive straight when the wheels are out of alignment.
Effects
Uneven tire wear can be caused by driving a vehicle that has improper wheel alignment. Tires can be damaged prematurely if the problem isn’t corrected quickly enough. Fix alignment issues immediately to prevent tire damage.
A misalignment may put excessive stress on the suspension of a vehicle. This can lead to expensive repairs due to suspension damage.
Wheel misalignment increases the risk of a collision when driving at high speed. Tires out of alignment will tend to drag sideways, causing the driver to grip the steering wheel tightly. A misalignment of the tires can affect how a car brakes and handles. This compromises safety.
The vehicle could consume more fuel due to tire drag caused by misaligned tires.
Smart drivers are able to detect misalignment signs and correct them immediately. Driving carefully will help you avoid misalignment issues and accidents. This will increase your safety on the roads.
This post was written by a professional at Wheel Paradise. Wheel Paradise is a family owned retail shop providing new aftermarket wheels and tires. We have on-site designers that can work with you on putting together your dream vehicle. We offer most automotive customizations such as lift kits, suspension, lighting and much more. Wheel Paradise also has skilled mechanics ready to help with most mechanical needs. Financing is available. Customer relationship and satisfaction is our ultimate goal!
