The Importance of Car Alignment
When a car’s wheels are properly aligned, they rotate smoothly along the road surface. When they aren’t, the car will likely pull to one side or the other and can cause damage to the steering system and tires. See our home page.
A wheel alignment is a quick and easy service that can make your car drive smoother, protect the life of your tires, and save you money on gas!
Tire Wear
Even tire wear is key to a smooth ride and an extended life for your tires. Uneven tire wear can be the result of a number of alignment issues, including one-sided shoulder tread ribs or excessive negative camber.
Drifting or a steering wheel that feels off-center when driving on straight sections of the road are other signs your car’s alignment may be off. A major accident or long periods of driving on bumpy roads can knock your vehicle’s alignment out of spec, too.
A trained service technician can adjust your suspension angles back to the manufacturer’s specifications, resulting in even tire wear and a more comfortable ride for you and your passengers. Having your alignment checked and adjusted regularly will also help reduce the wear and tear on your steering and suspension components. The most important thing to remember is that you should get your tires aligned immediately if you notice any of the warning signs listed above.
Suspension Wear
A car alignment involves measuring and adjusting static suspension angles (caster, camber, toe) as well as steering geometry. A good alignment sets the steering and suspension components in a normal operating position. But over time, the vehicle may begin to lose that “in spec” positioning due to spring sag or component wear (like ball joints) that causes suspension parts to contact the road differently than they should.
Suspension misalignment leads to premature tire wear, as the tires are no longer perpendicular to the ground or pointing in the right direction. Also, hitting potholes, curbs, or speed bumps at an odd angle can damage or destroy normally rugged suspension components. Those damaged parts can then shift the alignment, requiring further maintenance or causing other problems. This is why a quick check of the vehicle after a crash or major shock is important.
Steering Wheel Issues
If you notice that it feels harder and more strenuous to turn the wheel of your vehicle, this could be a sign of steering system issues caused by misalignment. If the steering wheel leans to one side when you drive on a straight road, this can be a dangerous issue as it makes it more difficult to maintain control of your vehicle and stay within the lanes you are driving in.
Steering components can wear out over time, which can affect the alignment of your wheels. When the components wear out, your steering wheel will feel off-center when you are driving on a straight road.
To fix this, you can try to loosen the steering wheel’s center nut with a screwdriver. Most steering wheels will have a horn button or center cap that can be removed to reveal the center nut. Then, use the screwdriver to gently pry this off to remove the nut.
Uneven Tire Tread
If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard (especially at highway speeds), it’s a sign that your tires are out of balance. This is caused by misalignment and can result from hitting a pothole or other road debris.
If the outer or inner edges of your tires are wearing down more than the center, it’s a sign that the alignment is out of spec. This is called feathered edge wear and creates a ramp-like feeling if you run your hand around the tread.
This type of uneven tire wear can also cause suspension or braking problems that could put you at risk. Getting your front and rear alignment checked as soon as you notice any signs of imbalance will ensure that your vehicle is handling as the engineers designed. This will reduce drag, save you money, and extend the lifespan of your expensive tires. Ultimately, proper alignment makes your Lincoln drive safer and more comfortable. Check out this interesting post!