Correct wheel alignment enhances road grip and extends tyre life. Most alignment difficulties are resolved by aligning the front two wheels. Still, if extra work is required, an estimate will be supplied. The alignment of your wheels is a crucial aspect of car maintenance. It entails changing the wheel angles to the recommended position as specified by your vehicle's manufacturer. Poorly aligned tyres can damage road holding, increase fuel consumption, and shorten tyre life. Therefore it's critical to inspect your wheels frequently. If you’re looking for a wheel alignment service in Braintree, look no further than Tyre-Smart.
What is the wheel alignment process?
Camber, caster, and toe are the three angles of wheel alignment that are measured. Each has a particular angle calculated by the car manufacturer to improve the function of the car's steering and suspension systems to make the automobile operate smoothly, responsively, and predictably.
- Camber - This is a measurement of a tyre's verticality. Negative camber is when the suspension is configured so that it leans significantly toward the wheel arch. Positive camber is the opposite of negative camber.
- Caster - This is a little more difficult to visualise. Still, it refers to how high the suspension sits above the wheel's centre and, therefore, how central the angle of the tyre's placement on the road is on the front to rear plane.
- Toe - Toe-in occurs when the front wheels point inwards towards the car's centre, and toe-out occurs when the front wheels point outwards towards the road.
Causes of poor wheel alignment
The driver, the road, or worn components in the vehicle can all contribute to misalignment. The following are the top three reasons why your car can be out of alignment:
- Suspension components, such as bad shocks or struts, wear out or loosen, causing alignment issues.
- A pothole, knocking into a curb, travelling too rapidly over a speed bump, or an accident might cause a sudden disruption or impact.
- Modifications to the vehicle, such as lifting. The suspension is designed to perform within a manufacturer-specified height range. Therefore, the suspension must be adjusted if the car's height is changed; otherwise, your vehicle may become misaligned.
What happens if I leave it? Uneven tyre wear will arise from driving a car with poor wheel alignment. If the problem isn't fixed immediately, the tyre's lifespan will dramatically decrease. You'll pay a lot of money for premature tyre replacement. Misaligned wheels can put a car's suspension system under much strain. The cost of replacing a suspension system is considerable. When your tyres are mismatched, your vehicle will use more fuel. The misalignment will cause drag on the tyre, resulting in additional gasoline being burned. If you suspect your tyres are mismatched, have them checked and fixed as soon as possible to avoid accidents and high repair costs.
If this sounds like a problem you’re experiencing, call us today on 01376 511177. Alternatively, you can email us at sales@tyre-smart.com.
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