Wheel Alignments

Wheel Alignment -Getting It Straight

Knowing if you need a wheel alignment is a common concern for consumers.  If you have abnormal tire wear or handling discrepancies, such as pulling, poor tracking, or steering wheel angle problems, you may think you need an alignment.  These are the most common reasons why you would think that, but the symptoms you are experiencing may not be the root cause of your problems.

Steering

A common symptom is a lead/pull condition, which is when you have to put in extra effort to keep your steering wheel straight in order to keep your vehicle on the road.  Keep in mind that this may also have to do with the road slope or road crown.  A vehicle may lead off the road if the crown is too great or road slope is uneven.  Test it out on a paved road in good condition.  If the vehicle quickly climbs the road crown, then it may have an issue that needs to be looked into further.

Wheels and Tires

Another possible cause of steering and vibrations complaints are your tires.  Tires should all be in good shape and have even wear patterns.  Slight feathering or edge wear is common on the shoulder of the tires.  Have your tires checked regularly for tire pressure, tread depth and wear issues.

Worn Parts

Trim height is a reference point for all alignment measurements.  This is the distance between the vehicle's frame and the road.  Incorrect trim height can alter a vehicle's geometry and create misalignment.  Some things that can cause this are worn suspension parts, such as springs, struts, tie rods and ball joints.  Other repairs that can affect wheel alignment are control arm replacement, steering gear replacement, and steering knuckle replacement.  Get a good check of your suspension parts before you get an alignment.  This can save you some cost later on.

If you are not sure what is causing your vehicle to feel like it is out of alignment have your technician do an inspection and test drive to diagnose any other possible causes first. Scheduling regular maintenance and inspections can also prolong the life of your vehicle.

Remember to frequently check your tire pressure and if you are ever unsure about something ask your repair shop for advice.