Your car is more than just a mode of transportation. It is your faithful companion that takes you on adventures, keeps you safe, and ensures a smooth and comfortable ride. To maintain the performance and longevity of your car, it is crucial to understand the importance of wheel alignment. In this blog post, we will delve into what wheel alignment is, why it is important, the procedure involved in aligning wheels, and how often you should consider getting it done.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment, also known as tyre alignment or car alignment, refers to the adjustment of the angles of your car's wheels. The objective is to ensure that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. When your wheels are properly aligned, it promotes uniform tyre wear and balanced handling, resulting in a smoother and safer driving experience.
Symptoms of an Out-of-Alignment Car:
An out-of-alignment car exhibits various signs that indicate the need for wheel alignment. These symptoms include:
1. Uneven Tire Wear:
If you notice that some tyres are wearing down significantly faster than others, it is a strong indication of misaligned wheels. Misalignment causes uneven pressure on the tyres, leading to irregular wear patterns.
2. Steering Wheel Vibrations:
Vibrations in the steering wheel, especially at certain speeds or while turning, can signify alignment issues. Misaligned wheels can create imbalances that transmit vibrations through the steering system.
3. Pulling to One Side:
If your car tends to pull to one side even when driving straight on a level road, it suggests misaligned wheels. This pulling sensation can cause your vehicle to veer off course.
4. Drifting or Wandering:
When your car feels like it's wandering or drifting without your input, it indicates alignment problems. Properly aligned wheels should keep your car moving straight when the steering wheel is centred.
5. Uneasy Handling:
If your car feels less stable or harder to control, it could be due to alignment issues. You may find it challenging to keep your vehicle on the intended path, especially during turns or on highways.
Wheel Alignment Procedure:
The wheel alignment procedure involves several steps to ensure that your car drives straight, handles well, and maximizes tyre lifespan. Let's take a closer look at each step:
1. Initial Inspection:
The process begins with a thorough inspection of your vehicle, including the tyres, suspension components, and steering system. This inspection helps identify any existing issues that may affect the alignment procedure.
2. Mounting Sensors:
Specialized equipment is used to mount sensors on your vehicle's wheels. These sensors collect data throughout the alignment process.
3. Alignment Rack Setup:
Your vehicle is driven onto an alignment rack or platform that provides a stable surface for the alignment procedure and ensures that your car is level.
4. Measurement of Current Alignment:
Before any adjustments are made, the technician measures the current alignment settings of your vehicle's wheels. This includes assessing the camber (vertical tilt), caster (forward or backward tilt), and toe (direction) angles.
Wheel Alignment Adjustments:
Based on the measurements and manufacturer's specifications, precise adjustments are made to align the wheels correctly. Here's a breakdown of each adjustment:
1. Camber Adjustment: Camber refers to the vertical tilt of the wheel. Misaligned camber can lead to uneven tyre wear. The technician adjusts the camber angle to align with the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Caster Adjustment: Caster refers to the forward or backward tilt of the wheel. Proper caster alignment ensures stability and steering control. Adjustments are made as necessary.
3. Toe Adjustment: Toe angle refers to whether the wheels point parallel or slightly turned inward/outward from each other. Correct toe alignment is vital for steering accuracy. Technicians adjust the toe angle to meet specifications.
Final Measurements:
After making the necessary adjustments, the technician performs a final set of measurements to confirm that the wheels are aligned correctly. A test drive may be conducted to ensure improved handling and stability. You will receive an alignment report detailing the initial and final measurements, confirming that your vehicle adheres to the manufacturer's alignment specifications.
Cost of Wheel Alignment:
Investing in regular wheel alignments offers several advantages, including enhanced fuel efficiency, better vehicle control, and reduced risk of accidents. The cost of wheel alignment in India can vary based on factors such as your vehicle type, location, and service provider. On average, a standard wheel alignment falls within the range of Rs. 300 to Rs. 500.
To ensure accurate results, it is essential to have the alignment performed on a level surface using specialized equipment. Consider revisiting the alignment a few weeks later to confirm that it has held.
How Often Should Wheel Alignments Be Done?
Determining how often you should have your wheel alignment checked is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety. Here are some guidelines:
1. Annual Check: Schedule a wheel alignment check at least once a year as a general rule of thumb. This routine check helps detect gradual misalignment due to regular driving.
2. Symptom-Based: Pay attention to symptoms such as uneven tyre wear, steering vibrations, or pulling to one side. If you notice any of these signs, have your alignment inspected promptly instead of waiting for your yearly check.
3. After Impact: If your vehicle experiences a significant impact like hitting a large pothole or curb, get your alignment checked immediately. Such incidents can easily knock your wheels out of alignment.
4. Tyre Replacement: Whenever you replace your tyres, consider it an opportune time to have your wheel alignment inspected and adjusted if necessary. New tyres on a misaligned vehicle can wear unevenly and diminish their lifespan.
Benefits of Wheel Alignment:
Aligning your wheels offers numerous benefits that enhance your driving experience and vehicle longevity. Let's take a closer look at the advantages:
1. Extended Tyre Lifespan: Proper wheel alignment ensures even tyre wear, maximizing their lifespan and saving you money on premature replacements.
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Correctly aligned wheels reduce rolling resistance, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. You'll get more kilometres per litre, saving both money and resources.
3. Enhanced Handling and Stability: Well-aligned wheels improve vehicle handling, especially during turns and manoeuvres, providing a more predictable driving experience.
4. Safer Driving: Wheel alignment contributes to overall road safety by minimizing the risk of your vehicle pulling to one side unexpectedly. This reduces the chances of accidents, particularly during sudden manoeuvres or adverse road conditions.
5. Smooth Ride: Properly aligned wheels provide a smoother and more comfortable ride with fewer vibrations and less steering effort.
Difference Between Wheel Alignment and Tire Balancing:
Now let us get to the details of wheel alignment and balancing. While wheel alignment focuses on the angles and positioning of your car's wheels, tyre balancing addresses the distribution of weight around each tyre and wheel assembly. Wheel alignment ensures that your car travels straight when the steering wheel is centred, while tyre balancing eliminates uneven weight distribution that can cause
vibrations or wobbling while driving.
Conclusion:
Understanding wheel alignment is essential for maintaining your vehicle's safety, performance, and efficiency. Regular alignments extend tyre lifespan, improve fuel efficiency, enhance handling, and ensure a smoother ride. Don't overlook this crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance. Take the initiative to keep your car in optimal condition, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey every time you hit the road.
If you're looking for financing options for your next vehicle purchase or need assistance with any other financial needs, Tata Capital offers a range of consumer loans including used car loans, and two-wheeler loans. Explore more vehicle loans on the Tata Capital website and make informed decisions to support your financial goals.
05 June 2024
7 mins read
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