The Importance of Wheel Alignment & Balancing
When was the last time you booked an appointment with your local Kingsgrove mechanic to get your wheels aligned or balanced? Are you one of the millions of drivers that overlook these essential car maintenance tasks? If so, it’s time to think again as wheel alignment and balancing plays a critical role in the performance, safety, and longevity of your vehicle. Let’s run through some of the reasons why;
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is the term given when the angles of the wheels are adjusted to adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications. If the wheels are not aligned in accordance with these specifications, they will not work in unison, leading to premature wear and tear.There are three aspects to consider when it comes to wheel alignment; these include caster (angle of the steering axis), toe (angle at which the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above) and camber (inward or outward tilt of the tires when viewed from the front). If any one of these angles is out of alignment, your steering will be off, leading to uneven tyre wear, shaky steering and reduced fuel efficiency.
What is Wheel Balancing?
Wheel balancing is the process of ensuring that the weight of a tyre and wheel assembly is evenly distributed around the axle.
How often should I get my wheels aligned/balanced?
Wheel Alignment: You should get it checked at every 25,000 kilometres or at least once a year.
Wheel Balancing: Every 10,000 kilometres and when you’re getting the tyre pressure checked.
These are just guidelines to give you an idea of when you should take action, even if you think nothing is wrong. It’s also recommended to get both the alignment and balancing checked whenever your car hits a bad pothole, a curb, or your tyres are showing signs of uneven tyre wear.
Signs you Might Need to Visit a Mechanic
There are signs that indicate improper wheel alignment and balancing. These include;
Uneven or premature tyre wear
Vehicle pulling to one side when driving straight
Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
Vibrations in the steering wheel
Noises coming from the wheels
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to book a visit to see your local Kingsgrove mechanic. There you’ll be able to get confirmation on what the problem is specifically and, more importantly, you’ll be able to get the issue fixed so you can get back on the road.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is the term given when the angles of the wheels are adjusted to adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications. If the wheels are not aligned in accordance with these specifications, they will not work in unison, leading to premature wear and tear.There are three aspects to consider when it comes to wheel alignment; these include caster (angle of the steering axis), toe (angle at which the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above) and camber (inward or outward tilt of the tires when viewed from the front). If any one of these angles is out of alignment, your steering will be off, leading to uneven tyre wear, shaky steering and reduced fuel efficiency.
What is Wheel Balancing?
Wheel balancing is the process of ensuring that the weight of a tyre and wheel assembly is evenly distributed around the axle.
How often should I get my wheels aligned/balanced?
Wheel Alignment: You should get it checked at every 25,000 kilometres or at least once a year.
Wheel Balancing: Every 10,000 kilometres and when you’re getting the tyre pressure checked.
These are just guidelines to give you an idea of when you should take action, even if you think nothing is wrong. It’s also recommended to get both the alignment and balancing checked whenever your car hits a bad pothole, a curb, or your tyres are showing signs of uneven tyre wear.
Signs you Might Need to Visit a Mechanic
There are signs that indicate improper wheel alignment and balancing. These include;
Uneven or premature tyre wear
Vehicle pulling to one side when driving straight
Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
Vibrations in the steering wheel
Noises coming from the wheels
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to book a visit to see your local Kingsgrove mechanic. There you’ll be able to get confirmation on what the problem is specifically and, more importantly, you’ll be able to get the issue fixed so you can get back on the road.
Comments