Tire alignment is also called as wheel alignment. Alignment refers to the adjustment of suspension in the vehicle where the system connects the vehicle to its wheel. The key to proper alignment is adjusting the angles of the tire which influence the way it contact with the road. Alignment improves the handling of the vehicle and keep it pulling in one direction or vibrating strangely on the road. It help the tires perform properly and help them last longer.
There is couple of ways to find out if the car needs a tire alignment:
- Uneven tread wear
- Vehicle pulling to right or left
- When the steering wheel goes off center when driving straight
- Vibration of steering wheel
When the vehicle shows one or more of these indicators, get vehicle to have a licensed service technician to check the alignment. When the technician checks the tire alignment, get him check camber, toe and caster of the vehicle.
- Camber: when the tire is viewed from the front vehicle check the inward or outward angle of the tire. Too much of inward tilt is known as negative camber and too much outward tilt is called positive chamber. It indicates improper alignment and will need to be adjusted. Issues such as worm bearing, ball joints and other wheel suspension parts will contribute to camber misalignment.
- Toe: Toe alignment is the extent to which tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above. When the tires on the car are angled inward toward the center of the body, it is called toe in alignment. And when angled outward it is called toe out alignment. Both toe in and toe out alignment needs adjustment.
- Caster: Caster angle helps in balancing steering, stability and cornering. It is the angle of the steering axis when view from the side of the vehicle. When there is positive caster, the steering axis will tilt toward the driver and in negative caster, the steering axis will tilt towards the front of the vehicle.
Why alignment matters?
Improper wheel or tire alignment will cause the tires to wear unevenly and prematurely.
- Feathering: The tires are said to be feathered when the thread is smooth on one side and sharp on the other. It is a sign of poor toe alignment.
- Camber wear: Where inside or outside of the tread is significantly worn than the center of the tread. Positive or negative camber may cause this type of wear.
- Heel or toe-wear: This when one side of the tread blocks wear down more quickly than the other in circumferential direction. This could be a sign of under inflation or lack of rotation. It feels like saw teeth when viewed from the side.
When any unusual wear pattern seems to occur in the vehicle, a technician should be shown to check the alignment. Preventing the tire wear is important to keep the wheel alignment in check. The misalignment will affect the performance of the vehicle. A car alignment problem may be when it pulls to one side or steers erratically.