The proper alignment of your car’s tires are crucial in order for it to
perform adequately. When mechanics talk about tire alignment, they
are looking specifically at toe, camber, and caster alignment.
Having your wheels aligned correctly will help keep you safe on the
road and boost your fuel economy.

What Does Alignment Refer To?

When someone tells you that your tires need to be aligned, they are
referring to adjusting the vehicle’s suspension so that the wheels
are angled correctly. Wheels can be adjusted by placing the car on
an alignment rack and having a computer measure the angles of the
wheels. The person working on your car will then adjust the wheels
based on these measurements. Four-wheel alignments are recommended
over two-wheel alignments, because four-wheel alignments will
properly adjust all four wheels at the same time.

Why Should I Get My Tires Aligned?

Getting your tires properly aligned is important for not only your safety,
but also the lifespan of your tires. Proper tire alignment makes
handling your vehicle significantly easier. Wheels that are out of
alignment will lead to tires that have uneven tread wear. Getting
your tires aligned is easy at places such as Action
Gator Tire, and they offer a four-wheel alignment service that
will allow you to maximize the life of your tires and cut down on
fuel costs.

When Do I Need a Tire Alignment?

There are no specific requirements for how often you should get your tires
aligned. However, wheels can come out of alignment from everyday
driving, or from hitting potholes or curbs. There are a few indications that your tires
need to be aligned. Here are some of the ways that you can tell when
your vehicle’s wheels need to be aligned:

  • Vehicle pulls strongly to one side

  • Uneven or abnormal tire wear

  • Steering wheel vibration

  • Steering wheel off center

Toe, Caster, and Camber

There are three factors that contribute to proper wheel alignment: toe,
caster, and camber. Toe alignment is the measurement between tires.
When viewed from above, the tires should be parallel to each other
and in equal positions. Caster is the angle of the steering pivot,
and plays a huge role in balancing steering and stability. Positive
caster means that the steering axis tilts toward the driver, while
negative caster means that the steering axis tilts toward the front
end of your vehicle. Lastly, camber is the angle of the wheel, and
it should not have too much inward or outward tilt (negative and
positive camber). Instead, it should be perpendicular to the ground.

Boost Your Performance and Schedule a Wheel Alignment

Getting four-wheel alignment is important because it can help you prolong the
life of your tires and boost the performance of your vehicle.
Vehicles that are out of alignment will suffer from uneven tread wear
and poor tire performance. It is recommended that you schedule an
appointment immediately if you suspect you are in need of a wheel
alignment.