How Improper Wheel Alignment Affects Car Safety

Wheel alignment is the key to how a car’s going to drive on the road. Whether you’re driving on bumpy gravel or even down a smooth, freshly paved street, wheel alignment will make all the difference for you and your tires. As an important part of routine maintenance, do you know the causes and effects of improper wheel alignment? The following is about how improper alignment affects car safety.

WHAT IS A WHEEL ALIGNMENT

A wheel alignment, also known as tire alignment, is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels of a vehicle so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The purpose of a wheel alignment is to ensure that the tires make maximum contact with the road, reduce tire wear, improve fuel efficiency, and improve the handling and stability of the vehicle. The three main angles that are adjusted during a wheel alignment are the camber, caster, and toe. Camber refers to the vertical tilt of the wheel, caster refers to the angle of the steering pivot, and toe refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to each other when viewed from above. A wheel alignment should be performed regularly as part of routine maintenance, especially after any major suspension repairs or after hitting a large pothole or curb.

CAUSES OF WHEEL MISALIGNMENT

Improper wheel alignment can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

1. Worn suspension components: Over time, the suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rods, and control arms, can become worn, loose, or damaged. This can cause the wheels to become misaligned.
2. Damage to the suspension: Damage to the suspension components due to impact, such as hitting a curb or pothole, can also cause the wheels to become misaligned.
3. Improper installation: If the suspension components are not installed correctly, or if the technician is not properly trained or does not have the proper tools to perform the alignment, the wheels may not be aligned correctly.
4. Modifications: If the vehicle’s suspension system has been modified or upgraded with aftermarket parts, the alignment may need to be adjusted accordingly.
5. Uneven tire wear: Uneven tire wear can occur if the tires are not rotated regularly, are overinflated or underinflated, or if the vehicle is overloaded. This can lead to misalignment over time.
6. Accidents: If the vehicle has been involved in an accident, the frame or suspension components may have been damaged, leading to misalignment.

It is important to have your vehicle’s alignment checked regularly and corrected if necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation of your vehicle. If you suspect that your vehicle’s alignment is off, it is recommended to have it checked by a professional technician.

EFFECTS ON YOUR VEHICLE WITH IMPROPER WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Improper wheel alignment can cause several negative effects on your vehicle, including:

1. Uneven tire wear: One of the most noticeable effects of improper wheel alignment is uneven tire wear. Misaligned wheels can cause the tires to wear unevenly, which can shorten their lifespan and increase the risk of blowouts or other tire-related problems.
2. Reduced fuel efficiency: Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to work harder to maintain its intended direction, which can result in reduced fuel efficiency and higher fuel costs.
3. Poor handling and stability: Misaligned wheels can affect the handling and stability of your vehicle, making it difficult to control, especially at higher speeds or in emergency situations.
4. Vibration or shaking: Misaligned wheels can cause vibration or shake in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle, making for an uncomfortable ride.
5. Increased risk of accidents: Poor handling, reduced stability, and uneven tire wear can increase the risk of accidents, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
6. Costly repairs: Neglecting to address misaligned wheels can result in costly repairs, such as the need for new tires, suspension components, or steering parts.

Smart drivers will tune into the signs of misalignment and take steps to correct the problem right away. By driving carefully, people are more likely to avoid accidents causing misalignment problems, enabling them to benefit from greater safety on the road.

GATMATIC WHEEL ALIGNER PERFORMS THE BEST WHEEL ALIGNMENTS

GATmatic is one of the suppliers specializing in the production of four-wheel aligners. The latest wheel alignment machine GA-600S adopts innovative 3D technology. It can perform wheel alignment on all kinds of car lifts, such as two-post lifts, four-post lifts, and scissor lifts, which is unique in the industry with patents. The convenient and easy operation can help small garage to save space. And also it is equipped with an industry-leading four-wheel positioning system with an industrial-grade HD lens. With a storage cabinet, it is convenient to store and not easy to lose.