What is a Wheel Alignment and Why is It Important

Wheel alignment or tyre alignment can help the car perform properly on the road. It will help improve your car by pulling in one direction and thus handle much better driving. Most importantly it's better to secure your car by purchasing your car insurance with Shriram Car Insurance, and tailor it with extra add-on covers for additional protection.
 

What is wheel Alignment?

Wheel Alignment is an adjustment of a car's suspension. Suspension is the system that connects the car to its wheel. Thus, it is a mechanical way of adjusting the vehicle's suspension to influence the direction and angle of the tyre contact with the road surface.

 

Wheel alignment is a very important aspect of car maintenance, fuel efficiency, tyre wear and safety. It ensures proper functioning and longevity of the car tyres. Each vehicle's alignment depends on its make and model. It helps to boost the performance of the vehicle which is already set by the manufacturers.

 

Importance of Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is extremely important when your car is sent for servicing to ensure the vehicle tyre is intact in terms of safety and motion. Maintaining proper wheel alignment is crucial to avoid unnecessary damage to the tyre, steering, brakes, and suspension. Wheel alignment enhances driving stability, maximizes tyre life, and helps improve the overall performance of the vehicle.

 

What are the Signs of Misaligned Wheels?

Misalignment of wheel refers to the signs that your car tyre will constantly pull to one side or the other on the straight. Your car steering wheel will show signs that the wheel has alignment problems. While driving on the straight road, if you find your car to pull off from the centre or it vibrate, it is understood that your wheels are misaligned.

 

Sometimes, alignment issues may be visually seen when you regularly check your tyre tread. If your car is stationed in a place for many months without moving, part of the tyre will wear out while the rest will remain good. The difference in tread depth from inside to the outside edge are the signs of alignment problems.

 

What are the types of wheel alignment?

There are three types of car wheel alignment.

1. Front-end Alignment

The front-end alignment is also known as a two-wheel alignment. This is suitable for vehicles with solid rear axle and adjusts the front wheels.

 

2. Four-wheel Alignment

The Four-wheel alignment helps align both front and rear wheels to the centerline. This type adjusts rear suspensions and checks all four wheels.

 

3. Thrust-angle Alignment

The thrust-angle alignment ensures the rear wheel’s thrust angle is aligned with the centerline. This type of alignment adjusts the front wheels.

 

What is the process of Wheel Alignment?

The basic aspect of wheel alignment ensures that your car performs well, drives straight and contributes to safety and performance on the road. The wheel alignment process depends on primary inspection, mounting sensors, alignment rack up and measurement of the current alignment.

 

1. Primary Inspection

Thorough inspection of your vehicle is the basic process of wheel alignment. This includes tyres, suspension and steering wheel. This helps identify any existing issues of alignment.

 

2. Sensors

Sensors play a vital role in collecting data throughout the alignment process. Specialised equipment is used to mount sensors to the vehicle’s wheels.

 

3. Alignment rack up

An alignment rack or platform ensures the car is at the right level and provides a flat surface for the alignment procedure.

 

4. Measurement of alignment

The technician measures the current alignment settings of the wheels before making any adjustments. This includes adjustments in accessing the camber, caster and toe angles.

 

• Camber alignment is the vertical angle view of the wheel. If the camber is slightly off, then it leads to uneven tyre wear. 

• Caster alignment is the forward and backward angle of the wheel. This affects stability and steering control.

• Toe alignment refers to the angle of the tyre when viewed from above. Proper toe alignment ensures that the tyres are parallel and vital for steering accuracy.

 

Conclusion

Wheel alignment is the angle of your car wheels compared to each other and the vehicle's body. It is adjusted by making alterations to the vehicle's suspension. Regular wheel alignments are necessary to maintain the correct alignment of your vehicle's wheels. This boosts the quality and performance of the vehicle on the road. It is recommended that you check your vehicle's wheel alignment if you experience a difference in the driving of your vehicle.

 

While checking if your car wheels are aligned properly, be ensure that your car is insured with Shriram Car Insurance, as they provide the protection for your vehicle and shield you from financial burdens in case of an accident. So, secure your car and choose additional add-on covers for extra protection based on your needs. Boost with extra protection and features through add-on covers for a small premium. However, with Shriram General Insurance, you can navigate the roads with confidence.

 

FAQs

1. What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is the mechanical way of adjusting the vehicle’s suspension to influence the direction and angle of the tyre contact with the road surface.

 

2. What are the signs of Misaligned wheels?

The signs of misaligned wheels are as follows:

• Uneven or abnormal tyre wear
• Vibration in the steering wheel
• Vehicle pulling on one side
• Squealing tyres

 

3. Is Alignment needed for new tyres?

It is necessary to check for wheel alignment when fixing new tyres. It helps to increase the life span of the tyre and ensures good performance.