The Importance of Proper Wheel Alignment
#1
02-23-2012, 07:35 AM
The Importance of Proper Wheel Alignment
The Importance of Proper Wheel Alignment
By S. Doss
Many of us do not realise the importance of proper wheel alignment in our cars. We tend to think that nothing much happens to our tires other than an occasional puncture. Nothing can be further from the truth. It is very important that we regularly get our wheels aligned and I would say it should be done as often as we get the car serviced.
Wheel alignment is making sure that the wheels of the car are perpendicular to the road; also it makes sure that the wheels are parallel to one other
Save Fuel
When the wheels of the car are not aligned, what happens is that there is uneven pressure on the tires. They tend to push against each other. When that happens the car faces uneven friction and much more resistance from the road surface. This means that your car has to work that much harder to move forward and consequently that much more fuel is burned.When you align the wheels properly the there is much less resistance from the road surface. This results in not only a smoother drive but savings in your gas bill.
Caring for your Environment
In today's "Green " world when there is so much talk about saving the environment, and we know that the burning of fossil fuels are a major cause of pollution, this is one way of doing our bit by using a little less fuel.
Cost of new tires
The importance of proper wheel alignment cannot be more emphasized when we calculate the cost of new tires vis-a -vis a little amount spent on getting them aligned.
More resistance to the road surface means more pressure on the rubber of your tires. That leads to very quick wear and tear on the tires. It results in the tire getting bald on one side. This means that the tires are uneven. Not only is it dangerous to drive on uneven tires, it also means that you have to spend on new tires so much quicker.
Many of us think that everything is covered in the warranty of the tire manufacturer. Please take time to read the fine print. No warranty is extended if the tires are kept in a shoddy condition. This is really not a manufacturing defect. It is due to poor maintenance of the tires on our part and it is not fair to hold them responsible.
Safety
It is very important to consider the safety factor too. Have you ever driven a car which pulls itself to one side all the time? This is due to faulty wheel alignment. I am sure you know how difficult it is to drive on a wet road or on a road with thin ice even with perfectly aligned wheels. With badly aligned wheels you are just taking so much more risk. Is it worth having an accident endangering the lives of your family, friends who are with you in the car? A little money spent once in a while getting your wheels aligned brings you so much more peace of mind.
Strain on the car
Having a car with badly aligned wheels also leads to other connected problems. Your brake shaft does not work to optimal levels. The tendency to pull to one side due to uneven tires causes problems in the steering system. It also leads to uneven braking. Improper wheel alignments or not having your wheels aligned will affect the suspension of your car. The suspension in a car is made up of complicated and delicately balanced parts and it is important that it should be perfect. Not to mention that changing your suspension could cost an awful lot.
When should you get your wheels aligned?
If you find that when your steering is pointing straight forward and then the car veers to the right or left. That is an indicator. Another indicator is when you examine your tires you find that one side is worn out more than the other. The thumb rule is that you should get you wheels aligned once every 6000 miles or 6 months whichever is earlier. You should also get your wheels aligned if you have hit something on the road.
Please note that wheel alignment is not the same as wheel balancing. Many people think that both are the same. Many tire retailers will tell you that they are the same thing. Wheel balancing is simply the adjusting the balance between the tire and the rim. It is important not to get confused between the two 4-Sure
By S. Doss
Many of us do not realise the importance of proper wheel alignment in our cars. We tend to think that nothing much happens to our tires other than an occasional puncture. Nothing can be further from the truth. It is very important that we regularly get our wheels aligned and I would say it should be done as often as we get the car serviced.
Wheel alignment is making sure that the wheels of the car are perpendicular to the road; also it makes sure that the wheels are parallel to one other
Save Fuel
When the wheels of the car are not aligned, what happens is that there is uneven pressure on the tires. They tend to push against each other. When that happens the car faces uneven friction and much more resistance from the road surface. This means that your car has to work that much harder to move forward and consequently that much more fuel is burned.When you align the wheels properly the there is much less resistance from the road surface. This results in not only a smoother drive but savings in your gas bill.
Caring for your Environment
In today's "Green " world when there is so much talk about saving the environment, and we know that the burning of fossil fuels are a major cause of pollution, this is one way of doing our bit by using a little less fuel.
Cost of new tires
The importance of proper wheel alignment cannot be more emphasized when we calculate the cost of new tires vis-a -vis a little amount spent on getting them aligned.
More resistance to the road surface means more pressure on the rubber of your tires. That leads to very quick wear and tear on the tires. It results in the tire getting bald on one side. This means that the tires are uneven. Not only is it dangerous to drive on uneven tires, it also means that you have to spend on new tires so much quicker.
Many of us think that everything is covered in the warranty of the tire manufacturer. Please take time to read the fine print. No warranty is extended if the tires are kept in a shoddy condition. This is really not a manufacturing defect. It is due to poor maintenance of the tires on our part and it is not fair to hold them responsible.
Safety
It is very important to consider the safety factor too. Have you ever driven a car which pulls itself to one side all the time? This is due to faulty wheel alignment. I am sure you know how difficult it is to drive on a wet road or on a road with thin ice even with perfectly aligned wheels. With badly aligned wheels you are just taking so much more risk. Is it worth having an accident endangering the lives of your family, friends who are with you in the car? A little money spent once in a while getting your wheels aligned brings you so much more peace of mind.
Strain on the car
Having a car with badly aligned wheels also leads to other connected problems. Your brake shaft does not work to optimal levels. The tendency to pull to one side due to uneven tires causes problems in the steering system. It also leads to uneven braking. Improper wheel alignments or not having your wheels aligned will affect the suspension of your car. The suspension in a car is made up of complicated and delicately balanced parts and it is important that it should be perfect. Not to mention that changing your suspension could cost an awful lot.
When should you get your wheels aligned?
If you find that when your steering is pointing straight forward and then the car veers to the right or left. That is an indicator. Another indicator is when you examine your tires you find that one side is worn out more than the other. The thumb rule is that you should get you wheels aligned once every 6000 miles or 6 months whichever is earlier. You should also get your wheels aligned if you have hit something on the road.
Please note that wheel alignment is not the same as wheel balancing. Many people think that both are the same. Many tire retailers will tell you that they are the same thing. Wheel balancing is simply the adjusting the balance between the tire and the rim. It is important not to get confused between the two 4-Sure
Last edited by Space; 02-23-2012 at 07:39 AM.
#2
02-23-2012, 07:38 AM
The Importance of Tire Balance - YouTube
Click above
Link
For Vid on The Importance of Tire Balance, plus
many other related vid's
once connected to above link.
I hope this information helps our MCF Membership...
Knowledge is power & can also save you big $'s, plus
keep you & yours SAFE
Click above
LinkFor Vid on The Importance of Tire Balance, plus
many other related vid's
once connected to above link.I hope this information helps our MCF Membership...
Knowledge is power & can also save you big $'s, plus
keep you & yours SAFE
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