Wheel Alignment in Western New York
No matter if you already have thousands of miles on your tires or you are just about to purchase a brand new set — driving with the correct wheel alignment is an absolutely critical aspect of extending the life of your tires. If your wheels aren’t properly aligned, your vehicle can experience uneven tire wear, jeopardized handling, and a much rougher ride. If you’ve always wondered exactly how the wheel alignment process works along with its benefits, Basil Family Dealerships has assembled this quick reference guide to help you get a better understanding.
Wheel Alignment Process Explained
When we discuss the concept of vehicle alignment, this term is in reference to the adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension components. Put another way, this process involves adjusting the system that connects your vehicle to its wheels. It’s necessary to ensure that your wheels and tires are positioned at the correct angles to make proper contact with the road surface. Three main aspects are responsible for proper vehicle alignment and each will be explained below. All three work in unison to achieve the correct wheel alignment when correctly adjusted.
Camber – If you take a look at your vehicle from the front, camber is the inward or outward angle of your tires. In the event that this angle is pointed too severely inward our outward, excessive strain is being placed on your bearings, ball joints, and other suspension parts. Also, your tires will begin to suffer from uneven wear cascading from the inside edge towards the outer edge.
Toe – While it’s related to camber, toe angle is determined by looking downward at your vehicle from above. Still having trouble understanding this concept? Look downward at your feel when standing up. If you point your toes inward towards your body, this is known as toe-in alignment. Conversely, pointing your toes outward from your body refers to toe-out alignment. In a perfect scenario, you’d want both of your feet (or wheels) pointed straight ahead.
Caster – Primarily important for cornering, steering, and stability while in motion — caster is the angle of your steering axis when looking at your vehicle from its side. Positive caster means the steering axis is pointed towards the driver. On the other hand, negative caster means that the steering axis is pointed away from the driver.
Signs or Symptoms of Improper Wheel Alignment
If you are worried about your wheel alignment, the good news is that there are several common indications that your vehicle may need some attention from the team of service experts at one of our Basil Family Dealerships locations.
- Off-center steering wheel – Are you noticing that your steering wheel is turned to the left or right slightly when traveling in a straight line? It’s time to let a factory-trained technician inspect your vehicle.
- Vibration in the steering wheel – Caused by either uneven tire wear or damaged suspension components, a vibration felt in your steering wheel is yet another sign of a vehicle alignment problem.
- Vehicle pulling to the left or right – When driving straight down the road, is your vehicle beginning to pull to one side? It’s likely time for an alignment.
- Uneven tire wear – The wear on your tires is a great way to spot an alignment issue. Do they have more tread on the inner or outer edge compared to the center? Do you notice any strange patterns or marks in the tread compounds? If so, this is a very common sign that your vehicle needs an alignment.
Wheel Alignments at Basil Family Dealerships
When you trust a Basil Family Dealerships location for wheel alignment service, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle will receive expert attention from factory-trained technicians who know your vehicle inside and out. In addition, we have state-of-the-art wheel alignment tools, machines, and diagnostics to pinpoint and correct any issues your vehicle may currently be experiencing.
It’s only natural that you’d expect nothing but the best for your vehicle. Don’t take your vehicle just any repair shop for your next wheel alignment. Trust our team of service professionals at Basil Family Dealerships.
