When your wheel is aligned it should steer easily and without force, to any degree. Turning should be a seamless action. Driving an automotive vehicle has the possibility to be very dangerous so it is essential your wheel alignment is in place so your driving experience is safe, comfortable, and practical. It is important your vehicle is observed and repaired by a professional if off and it is important to note that your steering wheel’s function can easily be disrupted, which will be detailed in this article.
Misalignment Common Causes
Daily situations every driver faces on the road can influence your vehicle’s wheel alignment. Just the action of driving progressively influences the proper functionality of your wheel alignment because your tires are facing daily stress and pressure. Potential reason your wheel alignment may be influenced for the worse include:
- Automotive Accidents
- Curb Collision
- Contact with Potholes
- Reluctance to slow down over speed bumps
The more intense one of these contacts occur, the higher possibility / higher severity the status of your wheel alignment will need professional examination and repairing. Wheel alignment is a common, frequent repair request because it is not only an intense occurrence that would prompt a visit to the mechanic, but simply a series of these daily occurrence as well.
What are signs that my alignment may be affected?
Being in tune with your vehicle audibly and visual awareness can help you stay alert and ahead of safety issues before they progress too far. Some signs to be alert of include:
- Vehicle Meandering
- A Steering Wheel that does not seem straight
- Tire Damage
- Audible Tire Noises Including Squealing
Depending on how your vehicle was hit and the type of vehicle it is, the type of alignment can vary. A certified mechanic will possibly conduct his own type of examinations before ultimately connecting your car to an alignment machine that will further detail and specify whether your car needs a front-end alignment to adjust the front axle, a thrust alignment which will combine a front-end as well as verify all four wheels are balanced and in place, or a four-wheel alignment which is meant for four-wheel and all-wheel drive cars.
3 Types of Wheel Alignment:
- When the front axle is adjusted, a front-end wheel alignment was completed.
- When all wheels are checked and a front-end alignment is conducted, it is a thrust alignment
- When the rear axle angles are arranged and a front-end and thrust are conducted, it is a four-wheel alignment.
A professional will determine which alignment procedure is necessary for your vehicle. It is important as a driver or owner of an automotive vehicle to be proactive and aware of possible warning signs. Regardless if a warning sign is noticed, routine maintenance should include wheel alignment examination as it is a driving factor that is easily influenced.