WHAT WOULD MAKE MY VEHICLE’S WHEELS COME OUT OF ALIGNMENT?

Hitting a large rut or pot hole in the roadway with one wheel is the typical reason that a vehicle will come out of alignment. When this happens, the careful calibration and measurement that are needed to keep your vehicle aligned may be altered resulting in steering difficulties.  

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FRONT-END ALIGNMENT AND FOUR-WHEEL ALIGNMENT?

An alignment on most vehicles involves only the front end of the vehicle.  However, it is possible to also have rear wheel adjustments.  This would be referred to as a four-wheel alignment rather than the usual front-end alignment.  Most often, the only adjustment that will be made is to the toe setting.  However, it is possible for caster and camber adjustments to be made.  However, this is usually a more difficult service to perform and is less likely to be needed. With modern diagnostic equipment, it is possible to get very precise measurements for a front-end alignment.  The actual work, however, is still only as good as the person using the equipment, interpreting what the data says, and then applying that information to your vehicle. A front-end alignment will be done routinely every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.  But, if you suspect an issue, do not wait for the regularly scheduled maintenance. Likewise if you hit a particularly large pot hole or bumped a curb much harder than normal, an early check would be in order. 

WHAT WILL I OBSERVE IF MY VEHICLE ALIGNMENT NEEDS TO BE CHECKED?

Pulling to one side or the other is the telltale sign that your vehicle needs to be aligned.  You might notice this when on a flat stretch of highway if you release some of your grip on the wheel.  It might be so obvious that you actually feel like you are “fighting” to keep the steering wheel where you want it to be.  In this case, you may have to physically steer away from the pull to keep the vehicle moving straight in your lane.    Over time, driving a vehicle out of alignment will result in irregular tire wear. This could manifest as one tire wearing more than another or as uneven wear across the tread of one tire. If you have had to have any adjustments done to your suspension system or if you have installed new suspension parts such as shocks or springs, it is advisable to also have our technicians check your alignment at that time. 

IS WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND TIRE BALANCING THE SAME THING? 

Tire balancing and wheel alignment are not the same thing even though they may be related.  Tire balancing will always be done when you purchase new tires, but a wheel alignment is not necessarily needed at that time. Our mechanics may often recommend an alignment check within 3,000 miles of purchasing new tires. Tire balancing will often manifest as vibrations, which is different than the common signs of a misalignment. Occasionally a piece of dried mud, ice, or a rock will become lodged in or around a wheel. This can cause steering or driving difficulties.   Our mechanics will often spot this during an inspection and remove it first to see if removing the obstruction will eliminate the driving issue you have experienced. 

Rotating Your Tires for Winter Safety

While many people ready their cars for winter, they may pay close attention to what is going
on under the hood, but may fail to address issues that can arise from underneath the car. The
tires of a car are the only points of contact your car has with the pavement. If they are not in
good condition, you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road waiting for AAA to
come to your rescue. If you want to avoid that scenario, you should make sure to maintain
your tires by having them rotated, balanced, and checked for correct tire pressure.

Why Should Tire Rotation Be Done?

The ultimate goal of tire rotation is to maintain balanced handling and traction by evening
out the wear on the tires. This can be done during oil changes even when you do not see any
noticeable tire wear. Most manufacturers recommend that you rotate your tires every 3,000
to 5,000 miles. Since each tire presents a different wear pattern depending on how the tire is
contacting and interacting with the driving surface, you should rotate all four tires at the
same time. Doing this will help you to have better control of your car and the tires will
respond quicker to your input. It will help with handling and traction.

How is it Done?

There are three types of tire rotation that can be done: rearward cross, forward cross, and the
X-pattern. The rearward cross method switches the rear tires to the front axles and the front
tires are crossed and then installed on the rear axles. In other words, the rear tires are
brought up to the front axles, the left front tire is installed on the right rear axle, and the
right front tire is installed on the left rear axle. The process is reversed for the forward cross
method, with the rear tires being crossed before being installed on the front axles. The X-
pattern crosses both the front tires and rear tires before being installed on their opposite
axles.

Tips for Buying Winter Tires

When replacing your tires, you should be sure to know the size that you need for your car.
You can locate this information by looking on the doorjamb of the driver side door. You may
find a manufacturer sticker that denotes the size and recommended inflation level of the
tires. You can also consult your driver’s manual or ask your mechanic to find the right size
for you. Winter tires will provide additional traction when driving over snow and ice. These
tires have a pronounced tread and are constructed from heavy-duty rubber. Although the
rubber is soft, it provides additional contact with the road, increasing traction. They perform
well on wet surfaces, but they will affect the performance of your car during the summer.
The soft rubber causes the car to feel like you are not connected with the pavement and will
affect your braking and handling during the warm months. Most people purchase winter
tires for installation for winter driving and then remove them after the winter season. If you
live in an area that does not experience much snow and ice, you can also use all-weather
tires. These tires offer the deep tread of the winter tire but the firmness of regular tires.

Visual Vehicle Checks

Nearly everyone depends on their vehicle on a daily basis. This is why it is important to perform a routine checkup between trips to your mechanic. By doing so you are able to identify and repair problems before they worsen, which will help your vehicle last longer and perform at its best.  Some of your vehicle’s issues can be seen visually, which is why you should take a glimpse around the interior and exterior of your vehicle and note anything that looks out of the ordinary. You should begin by looking at the windshield for any chips or cracks, as well as making sure your interior mirrors are positioned in a spot that you are able to see in front and rear of your vehicle properly. Be sure to check your tire tread for any bumps, holes, cracks or unevenness, which can lead to a flat tire. Your windshield wipers should similarly be checked for any wear and improper functioning. In addition, check to make sure your seatbelts are working and clicking into place properly. Visual inspections are simple, do not take too much time and are a great way to notice any of your vehicle’s glitches.

Brakes and Steering Checks

Another part of your safety inspection that you should have our technicians check are your brakes. If your brake pedal is pressed all the way to the floorboard to stop, this typically indicates that they might need replacing. Listen for any grinding or shaking when trying to stop. Likewise, this can also signify you might need a new set of brakes. Your steering wheel is important too. Make sure your steering wheel has a smooth turning motion.

Light Checks

While starting your vehicle look for any lights on the dashboard that may indicate things such as low fuel, coolant or oil. Most cars will have an indicator light telling you when something under the hood needs to be attended to and those signs should not go ignored. Take a look at your headlights low and high beams for any broken bulbs as well as your taillights and signals. Not having your vehicle’s lights working properly can cause other drivers to not see you, especially in hazardous weather conditions such as fog. By doing an inspection of your lights you are saving yourself and others from a probable accident factor. 

Under the Hood and Under the Vehicle Checks

By checking under the hood and under your vehicle, you are able to check for small problems that could lead to a great deal of damage for your vehicle. Have our technicians check your car engine’s lines and hoses for holes and cracks.  The under part of your vehicle can also be checked for any leaks. See if all belts and spark plugs are free of crakes and wear.  Make sure that all filters are in proper place. Most importantly, check all fluids to make sure they are at their proper levels. Being too low of fluids can cause serious problems for your vehicle like overheating. Have our technicians make sure the muffler is securely fit and check for holes in the exhaust pipe. By taking a few minutes checking your vehicle over, you ensure driving safety as well as keep your vehicle running safely. 

What Is Tire Alignment and What Causes Improper Tire Alignment?

Improper tire alignment can create problems with your vehicle.  Simply put, tire alignment encompasses all components that make your vehicle go straight. Improper tire alignment can affect your cars driving performance as well as cost you money. When you get your car tires aligned by one of our professionals, all four wheels are positioned straight ahead and parallel. Your car tires can get out of alignment due to many factors, including simply driving your car.  Running over a pothole and driving on unpaved roads both can take your car suspension out of where it is set and cause tire alignment to be off.

Why Is Tire Alignment Important?

Tire alignment is important for many reasons.  The first reason is to make sure that your tires are aligned is that it improves your car’s gas mileage.  Especially when gas prices are very high, every adjustment that can be made to your car to save money is a good thing.  Having your tires aligned properly decreases the resistance your car gets from your tires and thus saves you money.  The second reason for good tire alignment is that it improves safety.  When wheels are properly aligned, it improves your car’s tracking and steering, making car driving safer.  The third reason for proper tire alignment is it reduces tire wear.  If your car tires are aligned and wear evenly, than your tires will last longer and you won’t spend as much money on tire replacement.  Improper tire alignment contributes to tire wear because your tires are either pulled in an awkward direction or not rolling straight, causing excessive wear.  The forth reason to maintain good tire alignment is that it improves vehicle handling.  If your car vibrates or shimmies, it is probably due to improper tire alignment.  When tires are not aligned properly, it can also cause your steering wheel to pull to one side or the other.  It could also make your vehicle feel as though it is loose or wanders.  Frankly put, tire alignment can drastically improve vehicle handling and driving enjoyment.  

What is Adjusted in Tire Alignment?

What actually is adjusted during tire alignment?  There are four elements that go into tire alignment including the caster, toe, ride height, and camber. The caster is part of your cars suspension and is the angle of the steering axis.  It supports the tire assembly and the tire itself.  The caster stabilizes your vehicle at high speeds and improves the overall steering feel of your car.  The toe is whether or not the rears of the tires are closer or further apart as opposed to the fronts of the tires.  Ride height is the distance between the frame of the vehicle and the road.  The camber is the inward and outward tilt of your tire.  Adjusting the camber dictates how much tire tread will be in contact with the road.

How Often Should Tires Be Realigned?

So, how often should tires be realigned?  It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire alignment.  These tips can be found in your car’s owner’s manual.  Generally, tire alignment should be checked every 10,0000 miles or once a year.

Problems with the Suspension and Steering

Many times a problem will crop up with a vehicle that you may or may not understand completely, and you have to guess if you should go to a garage immediately.  Any problem with the suspension systems of our cars can cause confusion and inaction.  The suspension system of a car is a very complicated network of components that work together to provide a driver and their passengers with a smooth and steady ride.  This is the part of your vehicle that bears the brunt of any pothole abuse your car experiences and all of the problems that result will affect your ride. As these parts wear out or even break you will experience a change in the way your car handles there is probably a suspension problem.

Steering Wheel is Shaking

If your steering wheel is shaking as you are driving down the road, there is most likely a problem in your suspension system or the tires. It could mean that the wheel bearings are worn or loose. The easy test for this is when you are parked try to shake the wheels, if they move with the force of your hand you are having a problem. Check your tires as well for signs of uneven wear because that may mean you need to have your car aligned.  The tie rod could also be damaged and need to be replaced. Either way this is a problem that needs to be addressed for your vehicle to continue to function in safety. If your whole vehicle is shaking at high speeds then you probably have an axle problem because they tend to be amplified at high speeds.

Bumps Cause Noise from Vehicle

When you have a damaged suspension you will often hear a clunking noise when you hit a moderate sized bump.  The possible cause of this might be damaged or broken struts, or damaged shock absorbers.  These will also show themselves by providing a feeling of swaying or bouncing on roads that are uneven.  Checking for damaged struts is done by forcing down the corner of the car. If your vehicle bounces several times from one push then you probably have a strut problem in your suspension system. This could be a broken coil spring, or fluid leaking from a shock absorber. This should be addressed as soon as possible to make sure your vehicle is safe to ride in.

Power Steering Problems

Sometimes a car will produce a screeching sound when you turn the steering wheel. Most often this is caused by a power steering belt problem. This is the connector between the power steering and the engine.  The belt may be work or just be a little loose.  This is an easy fix in many older models of vehicle, but newer vehicles use a belt that connects all accessories to the engine. Obviously this will be much more difficult and costly to replace. On the bright side, this noise could just be a sign that your power steering fluid may be low and you can just add more to correct the problem.  Checking your belt and power steering fluid levels on a regular basis can stop a problem from occurring before it happens. Driving carefully and avoiding potholes and other giant road bumps will also help to alleviate steering and suspension problems.