What is Wheel Alignment: Importance & Benefits for your Vehicle

Are you planning a long drive or need to pick someone up in a hurry, only to realize that your car's handling is not up to par? It becomes challenging to maintain a straight line on the road, and steering becomes difficult. Your vehicle likely needs an alignment. Wheel alignment is a crucial aspect of regular maintenance, ensuring optimal efficiency of your car. Unfortunately, many people tend to overlook the importance of wheel alignment until problems arise. That's where Fasttrack comes in. Renowned as a trusted auto repair shop and supplier of vehicle services in the United Arab Emirates, we have built our reputation on our unwavering commitment to satisfying even the most discerning customer needs. Doing a proper wheel alignment from Fasttrack comes with many benefits, let’s take a look at the benefits that come with regular wheel alignment.

What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment also known as tire alignment, means the adjustment of the position and angles of the wheels relative to each other and the position of the vehicle's body. It is essential to do wheel alignment that ensures the wheels are properly aligned and parallel to each other. 

Signs of Misaligned Wheels

Your car needs a wheel alignment done asap if these issues persist:

• Squealing Tires: An incorrect wheel alignment may be to blame if you hear squealing sounds coming from your tires.
• Rapid or Unequal Tire Wear: Rapid or unequal tire wear, such as severe wear on the inner or outside edges, can point to alignment problems.
• Crooked Steering: If your steering wheel looks to be tilted, even though you're driving straight, there may be a misalignment issue.
• Noisy Steering: Alignment problems may be the cause of any strange noises you hear when turning the steering wheel.
• Pulling to the Right or Left: If your vehicle frequently veers to one side of the road without your intervention, there may be a problem with alignment.
• Uneven Tires: Your tires may wear unevenly as a result of misaligned wheels, which can be seen by visual inspection.

You can spot potential alignment problems and take the necessary actions to have your car correctly aligned by paying attention to these indications. Get it done by the experts! Visit Fasttrack today!

What causes Misaligned Wheels?

Maintaining excellent tire condition with routine wheel alignments will help you save money on tires over time. Additionally, you'll enjoy improved performance and fuel economy, and you'll shield the suspension system of your car from unplanned maintenance. Hera re some of the common causes of Misaligned wheels

• Driving across a pothole
• Hitting road obstructions or curbs
• Minor auto accidents
• Defective shocks, struts, or other suspension components
• Vehicle mods such as lifting

How is Wheel Alignment done?

During a wheel alignment process, an alignment device is employed to precisely align the wheels. This device calculates and measures the angles of the wheels, comparing them to the original specifications of your car.

• Each wheel's toe, caster, and camber are adjusted by our expert technicians.
• When the target angles are achieved, a real-time computer readout signals this.
• We check the centring of your steering wheel.
• Finally, a brief test drive is conducted in your car.

Also read : Benefits of Nitrogen-Filled Tyres: Why You Should Consider Switching from Air

Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignment

• Better Comfort: When tires begin to deteriorate unevenly, you may feel a vibration in the steering wheel. The tires may also make more noise on the road when the tread is uneven. Performing a proper wheel alignment will ensure these issues are overcome ensuring a comfortable ride.
• Better Handling and Performance: Correct wheel alignment contributes to better vehicle handling and performance. It provides a smoother and more comfortable ride, as well as improved steering response and control, allowing you to have a more enjoyable driving experience.
• Tire Performance: Your vehicle may have to work harder on the tires than it has misaligned wheels. This occurs as an outcome of increased resistance between the tire and the road. That resistance can cause the tires to wear inconsistently with the tires ultimately becoming worn on one side.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels can cause increased rolling resistance, which means your vehicle has to work harder to move forward. This extra effort leads to decreased fuel efficiency and increased fuel consumption. Proper wheel alignment helps optimize fuel efficiency, saving you money on fuel costs in the long run.
• Prevention of Mechanical Issues: Misaligned wheels can put excessive strain on various components of the suspension system, including the tires, shocks, and struts. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and damage to these parts. Regular wheel alignment helps prevent such mechanical issues and prolongs the life of your vehicle's suspension components.

The steering wheel should be checked for alignment if there are any vibrations or if the steering wheel is rolling freely. However, minor wheel alignment issues frequently go unreported, leading to unneeded expenses from tire wear and tear and increased fuel usage. 

Helpful link: Tips To Handle A Tyre Blowout While Driving?

Conclusion:

Usually, the alignment is done in an hour or less. A four-wheel alignment, however, can take a little bit longer. The time needed for replacement will be increased if any worn-out or damaged components are found in the suspension system when it is being aligned.

In short, regular wheel alignment is essential for maintaining optimal tire performance, comfort, and handling. It improves fuel efficiency and prevents mechanical issues. Normal wheel alignment comes with many benefits, as you can enjoy a smoother, more efficient, and safer driving experience while saving on unnecessary expenses. Paying attention to signs of misalignment and seeking professional wheel alignment services offered by Fasttrack, ensures your vehicle operates at its best. Take proactive steps to maintain proper wheel alignment and reap the benefits it provides.