Wheel Alignment
A wheel alignment is essentially an adjustment of the wheel to ensure that the angle of the tire are both flush with the road and parallel to each other. The purpose of a wheel alignment is to maximize tire life and minimize tire wear. It also ensures that your car is riding straight and level when driving along a straight and level road.
Your car needs a wheel alignment if:
You notice uneven or abnormal tire wear
Your car wanders on a straight level road
Your car pulls or drifts on a straight level road
Your steering wheel is out of alignment when driving straight ahead (note: steering alignment and wheel alignment are one in the same).
Wheel Alignment: To determine if you need a wheel alignment, the best home indicator is to check each tire and look for uneven wear. The problem with this method is that very often the tire is already done if you can see or feel abnormal or uneven wear. For this reason it is a good idea to have your wheel alignment checked as part of your regularly scheduled annual car maintenance.
The "feel" method involves running your hand across the tire tread (be careful not to cut your hand on exposed steel belt wires or road debris stuck in the tire tread) If the tread feels like it's on an angle you likely need a toe alignment. Have the wheel alignment checked as soon as possible as this condition causes rapid tire wear.
An over of under inflated tire will also create uneven tire wear. Under inflation causes irregular tire wear on the outside while over inflation cause irregular wear in the middle of the tire tread. This tire problem can be easily rectified without a wheel alignment but needs to be addressed as soon as possible. You may be able to save the tires if the wear isn't too far along by rotating the effected tires to the opposite axle (see Tire Rotation for proper technique). Another indication your car needing a wheel alignment is your car continuously drifting or pulling to one side of the road when you let go of the steering wheel. A car that is difficult to maintain a straight line without frequent steering corrections is also a strong candidate for a front end alignment. These specific driving conditions may or may not contribute to premature tire wear.
A wheel alignment cannot be performed on your car if there are loose or worn front end parts (shocks and struts, tie rods or ball joints). Your mechanic should first check for worn front end parts (ball joints, tie rods, shocks, struts, etc) and identify any required auto repairs prior to beginning the wheel alignment.
As more and more cars are being designed with adjustable rear alignment settings a 4 wheel alignment should be considered. Even if your car doesn't allow for adjustments in the rear, a 4 wheel alignment should be considered over a regular alignment as it will allow your mechanic to identify any rear tracking problems and possibly compensate for them with adjustments to the front end alignment.
After the wheel alignment is completed, you should test drive your car on a straight and level road and check that it goes straight and that the steering wheel is in the proper position in relation to your dash. If you notice a problem, take the car back to your Auto Repair Shop and have the mechanic drive it and fine-tune the wheel alignment settings.
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Wheel Alignment Ottawa
