Why get a Wheel Alignment?
Regular wheel alignments are essential for maximizing the lifespan of your tires. Misalignment can lead to uneven wear and tear on your tires. One indication that your vehicle might be out of alignment is if it consistently drifts to one side while driving on a straight road. Additionally, your steering wheel can provide hints; for instance, if it seems off-center when you’re driving straight or if you notice vibrations while in motion. However, these issues can arise from various factors, which is why we inspect your suspension before performing a wheel alignment. This careful check ensures that you won’t experience further problems after the alignment.
CAMBER, TOE, & CASTER
When a technician evaluates your tire alignment, they focus on three key aspects:
CAMBER
This refers to the angle of the tire, tilting either inward or outward, as seen from the front of the vehicle. Excessive inward tilt is known as negative camber, while excessive outward tilt is referred to as positive camber. Both indicate misalignment that requires adjustment. Factors such as worn bearings, ball joints, and other wheel-suspension components can lead to camber misalignment.
TOE
Unlike camber alignment, toe alignment measures how much your tires angle inward or outward from a bird's-eye view. To visualize this, stand and look down at your feet. If you angle them inward towards your body, that’s similar to toe-in alignment. Conversely, angling your feet outward represents toe-out alignment. Both conditions necessitate adjustments.
CASTER
The caster angle is crucial for maintaining steering balance, stability, and cornering performance. It refers to the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle. Positive caster means the steering axis tilts towards the driver, while negative caster indicates it tilts towards the front of the vehicle.