The Importance of Wheel Alignment
The Importance of Wheel Alignment
Posted on June 27, 2023
The Importance of Wheel Alignment
If your car is pulling to the left or right, chances are you know that you need an alignment. But there are other signs that your vehicle might need an alignment that many drivers are unaware of. At Westminster Toyota in New Westminster, British Columbia, we want to help you avoid additional wear and tear on your tires and suspension system components, so we have put together this guide to explain the importance and benefit of proper wheel alignment.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Essentially, a wheel alignment is an adjustment of the suspension system to set the angle at which the tires make contact with the road, and it involves three measurements: toe, caster, and camber. The toe measures how straight the tires are, the caster measures the position of the wheels (front to back) in relation to the vehicle’s suspension system, and the camber measures the wheel’s centerline in relation to the road surface.
Signs Your Vehicle is Out of Alignment
The most obvious sign that your vehicle requires a wheel alignment is that it starts pulling to the left or the right or the steering wheel looks crooked while you are driving straight. Other less obvious signs include uneven or unusual tire wear, squealing tires, and noisy steering when the power steering fluid is at the recommended level.
Benefits of Wheel Alignment
In addition to the risk of losing control of your vehicle, driving a misaligned vehicle can result in premature wear and tear on your vehicle’s components, resulting in costly repairs that could have been prevented. While tires are the most common component to be affected by improper alignment, premature bearing, seal, or coupling failure can occur if your vehicle is not properly aligned.
Additionally, studies show that driving with a misaligned vehicle can increase your fuel consumption by up to seven percent, which can add hundreds of dollars in fuel costs annually.
Visit Westminster Toyota Today!
If you think your vehicle might be out of alignment, we can help! Contact us to arrange for an alignment inspection, or feel free to use our convenient online service scheduler. Our certified, factory-trained technicians can help with all your vehicle maintenance needs and are equipped with the latest tools and software to keep your vehicle running smoothly! We look forward to hearing from you!