header photo

The Importance of Proper Wheel Alignment

Many of us do not realise the importance of proper wheel alignment in our cars. We tend to think that nothing much happens to our tires other than an occasional puncture. Nothing can be further from the truth. It is crucial that we regularly get our wheels aligned and I would say it should be done as frequently as we get the car serviced.

Wheel alignment is making sure that the wheels of the automobile are perpendicular to the road; also it makes sure that the wheels are parallel to one other

Save Fuel
When the wheels of the automobile are not aligned, what happens is that there is uneven pressure on the tires. They tend to push against each other. When that happens the car faces uneven friction and much more resistance from the road surface. This means that your car has to work that much harder to move forward and consequently that much more fuel is burned.When you align the wheels properly the there is much less resistance from the road surface. This results in not only a smoother drive but savings in your gas costs.Learn more about Cardan Shaft India and Cardan Shaft Manufacturers here.

Caring for your Environment
In today's "Green " world when there is so much talk about saving the environment, and we know that the burning of fossil fuels are a major cause of pollution, this is one way of doing our bit by using a little less fuel.

Cost of new tires
The importance of proper wheel alignment cannot be more emphasized when we calculate the price of fresh tires vis-a -vis a little amount spent on getting them aligned.

More level of resistance to the road surface means more pressure on the rubber of your tires. That leads to very quick wear and tear on the tires. It results in the tire getting bald on one side. This means that the tires are uneven. Not only is it dangerous to drive on uneven tires, it also means that you have to spend on new tires so much quicker.

Many of us believe that everything is covered in the warranty of the tire manufacturer. Please take time to read the fine print. No warranty is prolonged if the tires are kept in a shoddy situation. This is really not a manufacturing defect. It is due to poor servicing of the tires on our part and it is not fair to hold them responsible.

Safety
It is crucial to consider the safety element too. Perhaps you have driven a motor car which pulls itself to one side continuously? This is due to faulty wheel alignment. I am sure you know how difficult it is to drive on a wet road or on a road with thin ice even with perfectly aligned wheels. With badly aligned wheels you are just taking so much more risk. Is it worth having an accident endangering the lives of your family, friends who are with you inside the motor car? A little money spent once in a while getting your wheels aligned brings you so much more peace of mind.

Strain on the car
Having a car with badly aligned wheels also leads to other connected problems. Your brake shaft does not work to ideal levels. The tendency to pull to one side due to uneven tires causes complications in the steering system. It also leads to uneven braking. Improper wheel alignments or not having your wheels aligned will affect the suspension of your car. The suspension in a car is made up of complicated and delicately balanced parts and it is important that it should be perfect. Not to mention that changing your suspension could cost an awful lot.Learn more about Wheel alignment click here.

When should you get your wheels aligned?


If you see that when your steering is pointing straight forward and then the car veers to the right or left. That is an indicator. Another indicator can be when you examine your tires you find that one side is worn out more than the other. The thumb guideline is that you should get you wheels aligned once every 6000 miles or 6 months whichever is earlier. You should also get your wheels aligned should you have hit something on the road.

Please note that wheel alignment is not the same as wheel balancing. Many people think that both are the same. Many tire suppliers will tell you that they are the same thing. Wheel balancing is simply the adjusting the balance between the tire and the rim. It is important not to get confused between the two.

Go Back

Comment