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Did you know that is recommended by experts in the automotive industry that you get your wheels aligned every two or three years? Wheel alignment is important for your safety when behind the wheel but it also has some massive benefits when it comes to saving you money.
Issues with your car’s wheel alignment will make your vehicle more difficult to handle while also causing uneven wear to different types of tires. Getting your vehicle’s wheels aligned is a key component of proper maintenance and it comes with car ownership. You might wonder how the wheel alignment process works. If so, you’re in the perfect place.
Continue reading this article to learn all about the wheel alignment process and why it is important for your vehicle ownership today.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
A wheel alignment is the process of an automotive mechanic ensuring that all four wheels on your vehicle are lined up correctly. This process involves getting your vehicle’s suspension back in the right shape and form so that it handles like new. The mechanic will look over your vehicle’s suspension and make fixes where they’re needed.
You’ll notice a big difference in how your vehicle feels and how it handles after you take it to the mechanic for wheel alignment.
What Causes Unalignment?
The biggest cause of your wheels becoming unaligned in today’s world is hitting a pothole. There is a reason that you’re taught to avoid any potholes that you encounter with your vehicle. Potholes can not only damage your wheels and tires but can also mess up your vehicle’s wheel alignment.
Other causes of your wheels becoming unaligned are hitting obstacles in the road and hitting the curb of the road. This will likely damage your suspension as well as your wheels and tires. If you need replacement or wheels and tires then you’ll need to visit a shop like https://www.ozzytyres.com.au/.
Signs That You Need Wheel Alignment
The good news about wheel alignment is that there are clear signs that you can’t miss. If you experience any or all of these signs then you owe it to yourself to schedule a wheel alignment appointment with your local mechanic.
The first sign that you need to look for is uneven wear on your vehicle’s tires. All of your tires should take wear on an even basis. If you find that one tire or two tires are taking more wear than the others then you need a wheel alignment.
Another sign that you shouldn’t ignore is if you notice that the steering wheel is pulling your vehicle in a certain direction. If you find that your vehicle pulls when you’re driving down the freeway then it is likely that you have an issue with your wheel alignment that needs to get fixed as soon as possible.
You should also check your steering wheel when you’re driving. Many people that have wheel alignment issues notice that their steering wheel is turned in a certain direction when they’re driving straight. That is a sign in your car ownership that you need to go visit a mechanic for a wheel alignment today.
What Are the Different Types of Wheel Alignment?
There are multiple types of wheel alignment that the mechanic will consider for your vehicle ownership. There are three primary options that are the most common. These different alignment strategies are dependent on the suspension and drivetrain type of your vehicle. A trained mechanic will know the right type of wheel alignment for your vehicle.
Front End Alignment
Front end alignment is a type of wheel alignment that focuses on the two front wheels of the car. The focus of these repairs is making adjustments and fixes to the front axle of your vehicle. When it comes to the types of wheel alignments, the front-end alignment is the easiest type to complete.
The drawback to this type of wheel alignment is that it isn’t the best fit for modern vehicles. It is a much better option for older vehicles that aren’t as complex.
Thrust Alignment
Another popular choice for a wheel alignment is thrust alignment. This type of wheel alignment works by focusing on the front axle of the vehicle while combining thrust to it. This process works because it makes sure that all four wheels on the vehicle are lined up in an accurate way.
If your vehicle has a solid rear axle then you’ll want to make sure that your mechanic goes with a thrust alignment rather than a front-end alignment. This is the best way to get all of your wheels back on the front page. You’ll notice better gas mileage and you’ll find that your tires last much longer after a thrust alignment.
Four-Wheel Alignment
The four-wheel alignment is another great option if you’re in need of a wheel alignment. This type of wheel alignment combines a little bit of everything from thrust alignment and front-end alignment. It is the most comprehensive option when you’re getting a wheel alignment.
It involves aligning the front axle as well as the rear axle. All of this gets combined with a thrust alignment to make sure that all four wheels are matching each other. This is the best option for getting your wheels aligned if you own a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle.
It is also a great choice if you own a front-wheel-drive vehicle that comes with an independent rear suspension. The good news is that your professional automotive technician will know the right type of wheel alignment for your vehicle.
Schedule Your Wheel Alignment Today
Having a proper wheel alignment is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the best gas mileage and making your vehicle’s tires last. It also makes your vehicle much easier to control when you’re traveling. Knowing when to get your wheel alignment is another important part of car ownership because it will prevent excessive wear and tear on your vehicle.
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