WHEN TO GET YOUR CAR REALIGNED

*TIRE  ALIGNMENT  VS  WHEEL  ALIGNMENT-

Tire  Alignment is also known as 'Wheel  Alignement,' can help your tires perform perform properly and help them last longer.It can also improve handling and keep your vehicle from pulling in one direction or vibrating strangely on the road.

*WHEEL ALIGNMENT VS  WHEEL  BALANCING-

People often get confused between Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing.They are completely different. Wheel Alignment or Tracking, as it is called sometimes,consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are as specified by your vehicle manufacturer. On the other hand,Wheel Balancing allows the wheel to spin with out causing unnecessary vibration.

*WHAT IS WHEEL ALIGNMENT-

Alignment refers to an adjustment of vehicle's suspension-the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels.It is not an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves.The key to proper alignment is adjusting the angles of the tires which affects when they make contact with the road.

To perform the Wheel Alignment, the vehicle is placed on an alignment rack. Special sendors are mounted on each wheel.The computer controlled device measures the actual angles of the wheels.Based on the measurements, a technician adjusts the wheel angles(called Toe, Camber, Casters,etc) that are adjustable to the specifications.Before doing the Wheel alignment, the technician will typically test drive the vehicle, adjust the tire pressure, as well as check the ride heigh and basic suspension and steering components(eg: ball joint, tie rod, etc).If any steering or suspension component is found to be bad, it should be replaced before doing wheel alignment.After wheel alignment is done, you will usually get a printout showing the wheel angles before and after the alinment.

*WHEN DO YOU REQUIRE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT-

If your car drifts to one side and you have  to turn the steering wheel away from the centre position to drive straight, that is good indication that your wheels are out of alinment.It could be perhaps a result of hitting a deep pothole or scoring a direct hit on a curb while parking.

Always have your vehicle's alignment  checked when:

1. Your vehicle has hit something.
2. You notice that your tyres are waring abnormally or unevenly.
3. You experience steering or handling problems, such as:

• Your vehicle pulls or drifts to one side.
• Your steering wheel remains at an angle when driving in a straight line.
• Your steering wheel does not return easily after a turn.

    4.  When you buy a new set of tyres and want them to last as long as possible.

    5.  When you replace suspension or steering components.

*HOW  OFTEN  SHOULD THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT BE DONE-

For most cars, there is no specific requirements.Your mechanic will typically recommend doing the wheel alignment every two- years.Often, the wheel alignment is recommended when new tyres are installed.The alignment should be done more often if your car has wider tyres or if it's a sporty car, eg: Audi, B.M.W, etc. Experts say that if you recheck the wheel alignment after a year or two of driving, usually it will be slightly off.If you hit a large bump, the alignment will most likely be off.Many shops guarantee alignment work for up to one year,so when the vehicle is brought back before the guarantee ends, free alignment is given.

*THE BENEFITS  OF  WHEEL  ALIGNMENT-

You will notice that after a wheel alignment, the car holds the road better and feels more stable. This will be more noticeable if you have a sports car or wider tyres.

The main benefits of having correct wheel alignment are:

1. It will save you money,as tyre replacement are required less frequently.
2. Your tyre will last longer.
3. Your vehicle handling will be optimised.
4. Your vehicle will drive smoother with less tyre rolling resistance.
5. Your tyres as well as suspension and steering components will last longer.

HAPPY  AND  SAFE  MOTORING!