Last week we looked at the definition of wheel alignment and the different terms used and checked by wheel alignment specialists to make sure that your wheels are at the most optimal angle for your vehicle’s performance and safety. But why is wheel alignment so important? This week we look at the importance and many benefits of having your wheels properly aligned.
Improved handling
Misalignment can cause your vehicle to veer to the side; a problem which is relatively minor when driving in good conditions as an experienced driver will automatically adjust to counter that bias, but could be dangerous in wet, icy or more challenging conditions.
Extending the life of your tyres
Replacing your tyres can be a costly business, so anything that you can do to improve their lifespan is a bonus. Misaligned wheels causes your tyres to wear unevenly which can result in rapid wear in certain patches, leading eventually to a blowout.
Safety
If you have misaligned wheels, you are not only at the risk of experiencing a blow out; your safety, and that of your passengers and other road users, is compromised in other areas too. Poor alignment can impact your braking distance as well, and in extreme circumstances a metre or two could mean the difference between life and death.
Save fuel
The dragging caused by misaligned wheels means increased friction which not only adds to the wear on your tyres, but means that it takes more energy to get your vehicle moving – more energy means more (expensive) fuel consumption.
Detecting misaligned wheels
It is relatively easy to alter the alignment of your wheels by travelling on a bumpy road, hitting a kerb or pothole, or even as a result of general wear and tear of other parts of the vehicle, such as the suspension. This means that, no matter how recently you replaced your tyres or got your alignment checked, your wheels could have become misaligned. Signs of misaligned wheels include vibrating steering wheel, squealing or grating sounds when driving at low speeds, the vehicle dragging to one side, or abnormal or uneven tyre wear.
When to seek advice
If you notice any change in the noises or handling of your vehicle, head to your local wheel alignment specialist. Not all tyre specialists will check your alignment when they replace your tyres; check to see if it is included in the service, or if it is available as an add-on. It is important that you get your alignment checked when you get new tyres, particularly if the new tyre is to replace a damaged one, rather than one that has worn evenly; the damage itself could be the result of either misalignment or impact with a kerb or pothole which could have caused misalignment.
As ever with vehicles, if in doubt, get it checked out. Failure to do so is a false economy and could lead to additional costs as well as putting others in danger. Check out our directory of vetted and rated garages to find a wheel alignment specialist near you. And follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more tips.