What is a Wheel Alignment and How Does Misalignment Occur?
Wheel or tire alignment ensures your tires operate at their maximum capacity and prevents premature wear. Yet, driving your car every day can make maintaining your car's wheels slightly more complicated. Whether it’s due to poor driving behavior or environmental factors, it’s easier than you might think for your car’s wheels to become misaligned.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at why wheel misalignments happen and what causes your wheels to become misaligned in the first place. If you think the wheels on your car have become misaligned, come visit us at Dave’s Valley Auto Clinic today. We are conveniently located in Auburn, Washington, for all of your automotive repair needs.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is related to the adjustment of the system that connects the wheels to the car, otherwise called the suspension. Alignment simply refers to adjusting the angles of the suspension for improved tire contact with the pavement and ensuring all four tires are working together in precisely the exact same speed and direction.
Why Wheel Alignment is Important
If the wheels on your vehicle are not aligned properly, you risk prematurely wearing out your tires and producing some possibly dangerous driving hazards. When the wheels on a car are out of alignment, the tires will eventually wear unevenly relative to one another. Additionally, tires may also start to change in appearance by looking torn or rough, causing bad tire tread that will affect your car's ability to stop in any condition.
What Causes Problems With Wheel Alignment?
Misaligned wheels can occur for various reasons. Each time you drive your car, truck, or SUV, you are subjecting it to enormous amounts of torque and friction that can eventually lead to a slow and gradual degradation of vehicle components. Furthermore, the added stress on shocks, springs, and tires may cause them to slip out of alignment over time gradually.
The source of misaligned wheels can be broken down into three categories:
Impact: Driving over a large pothole or driving too fast over speed bumps.
Worn Parts: As previously mentioned, components in every vehicle eventually get worn down, and your alignment is no exception.
Height Modification: While this instance may not apply to all car owners, changing the height of your vehicle can also cause issues with your suspension and cause your wheels to become misaligned.
If you think your car, truck, or SUV is in need of an immediate wheel alignment, come see the service professionals at Dave’s Valley Auto Clinic. We are conveniently located in Auburn, Washington, and have all the tools necessary to inspect your vehicle’s alignment to get you back on the road as safely and securely as possible.