Automotive

Is It Time For A Wheel Alignment?

wheel-alignment-deviceWheel alignment can be done whenever a new suspension has been installed; unusual wearing of the tire, when new tires have been installed and anytime the vehicle encounters a curb or a major road hazard. Wheel alignment in Anchorage, Alaska will ensure that you enjoy a smooth ride and better handling of the vehicle. Modern suspensions need the tire service unit to perform a precise 4 wheel alignment by use of the latest alignment system. This alignment involves the front and the rear wheel drives of the vehicles.

Wheel alignment is done by taking the measurement of suspension angles and carrying out a variety of adjustments on suspension components. This will help to adjust the wheel angles to ensure that they are all parallel to each other and at the same time perpendicular to the surface. This service will help to increase the life of the tires. It is important to know that in every 12-18 months, you can take your vehicle for tune-ups in order to keep your vehicle running at its best. Tune-ups in Anchorage, AK will help you avoid costly repairs in the future and also to get a good gas mileage from your car.

We can now look at different aspects of wheel alignment to help us clearly understand this process.

a.) Camber

Anchorage Wheel AlignmentThis is the angle of the wheel which is measured when the top of the wheel has tilted out or in. When you find that the wheel has tilted out, it means that the angle is positive and in case the wheel has tilted-in the camber is said to be negative. Whenever you realize that camber is out of adjustment, you should take your vehicle for alignment to avoid premature tire wear. If a pulling problem persists after alignment and repair, it can be due to uneven tire and you can correct the problem by replacing the tire.

b.) Caster

Caster refers to an angle of steering axis which can clearly be seen from the side of the vehicle. When the wheel is tilted to the front the caster is said to be positive. The common range of settings for positive caster is between three and five degrees. If your vehicle has a caster which is out adjustment, you will experience problems in the straight line tracking. The vehicle tends to pull to one side that has less positive caster. It is important to note that misaligned caster has very little or no effect on the wearing of the tire.

c.) Toe

When viewed from above, you can tell if the front tires are close to each other (toe-in) or further apart (toe-out). Front tires require a toe-out setting since the front wheels tend to pull in when the car is in motion. Rear wheels work in the opposite and therefore necessitate a toe-in setting. Toe adjustments can be used to alter the handling traits of a vehicle.

d.) The ride height

This refers to the distance between the frame of the vehicle and the road. This forms the reference point for taking all alignment measurements. Ride height can be used when you want to raise or lower the vehicle.

This is a guest post by Mike Bakic, He is currently working for a wheel alignment company in Anchorage Alaska.

If you have any questions, please ask below!