Auto alignment, also known as tire alignment or wheel alignment, can improve the performance of your tires and help them last longer. It can also improve how your vehicle handles, and it keeps the car from pulling in one direction or vibrating on the road. Here are some things you need to know about auto alignment.

What Is Tire Alignment?

Alignment involves a change of your car's suspension. This is the system that connects your vehicle to its wheels. Please note that auto alignment is not an adjustment of the wheels or tires. Instead, it involves adjusting the angles of the tires that affect how the car contacts the road.

What Are the Signs That You Need Tire Alignment?

There are several ways to tell if your car needs alignment. Once you notice any of the signs, you must take your car to get checked by a licensed technician as soon as possible. The most common sign of tire alignment is uneven tread wear. This shows that your tires are not coming into contact with the road the same way.

Another sign you might notice is your car pulling to the right or left. Aside from that indicator, if you can feel steering vibrations and if the steering wheel is off center when you're driving straight, suspect auto alignment issues.

What Are Camber, Toe, and Canister?

According to Engineering Choice, when a technician inspects your auto alignment, they're mainly concerned with camber, toe, and caster. Camber refers to the outward or inward tire angles when you view your vehicle from the front. The tire shouldn't be tilted outward or inward excessively. Technicians know this as positive or negative camber.

Toe, on the other hand, is how far your tires turn outward or inward when you view them from above. Your car's caster angle helps balance the steering and cornering. It's the angle of your steering axis when you view it from the side of your car.

These are some things you need to know about auto alignment. If you notice any signs that point to your car being out of alignment, find a licensed technician to help you out as soon as possible.

Poor alignment compromises road safety, and it also results in your tires deteriorating faster than they should. The consequences of poor alignment can also affect the overall performance of your vehicle. It won't be fun driving your car if it's pulling to the left or when the steering is vibrating non-stop. For help with your alignment or other auto repair services, contact Volmaz today!