Tire Alignment: 5 Things You Should Know
Sometimes, your safety on the road is determined by how well your tires work. They are the ones who touch the road anyways.
With that being said, it is probably best to take some proper consideration for tire maintenance to prevent loss of vehicle control and accidents from happening. That is made possible by primarily making sure that your tires are always appropriately aligned.
What is Tire Alignment?
Tire alignment, or wheel alignment, refers to the process of making sure that the angles of the vehicle’s wheels are as specified by the manufacturer. It is a part of standard car maintenance and is done to scale down wear on tires, steering wheel, brakes, and suspension and to set out that the vehicle travels straight and stable.
Car owners are recommended to pay attention to their tire alignment as it does have an impact on the maneuverability, handling, performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Your tires and wheels can lose alignment over time as a result of the driving style used and the uncontrollable conditions of the roads in which you drive in.
What is the Difference of Tire Alignment and Balancing?
Many people think tire alignment and wheel balancing refer to the same thing. That is not the case. They are two totally different things.
Simply put, tire alignment focuses on ensuring that the tires are angled correctly so that the vehicle travels straight while on the other hand, wheel balancing is the process of making certain that the wheels and the tires are able to spin without the production of unnecessary vibrations.
You can know that your car has unbalanced wheels if it vibrates just on specific speeds and it typically happens when you are driving at 50 to 70 mph.
Both maintenance processes require a specialized technician.
How Do I Know If I Need Tire Alignment?
Misaligned tires can be pointed out as you observe the movement of your wheels when you drive your car. You can tell that this is the case when you experience your car instantly moving to either direction when you let go of the steering wheel. Unusual vibrations with the steering wheel may be one common cause, too.
Oftentimes, it is usually the front wheels of the vehicle that are more prone to tire alignment.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when deciding to get a tire alignment is to make sure that you have it done by a licensed professional. Look for a reliable and tested automotive shop near you.
The tire alignment service offered and given differs from one vehicle to another. It heavily depends on what type you own. To ensure precision and security, tire alignment services should be done by professional repair technicians so you can be rest assured that your wheels meet the proper specifications.
Do I Need a Wheel Alignment With New Tires?
It’s a tricky yes and no with this one.
Most people do not think it is necessary to have a tire alignment for a new set of tires but hear this out, it will be an amazing idea. It will be safe to say that you do need a tire alignment whenever your vehicle has new tires installed to it. Why? The tire alignment can help you be sure that every tire on your car is at the right angle, giving you a smooth experience of driving on the road.
How Much Does a Tire Alignment Cost?
You probably already know that generally the costs for car services always varies in each case. The type of vehicle and tire you have will determine how much you will have to pay for. The area in which you live can be an important factor as well.
But, we are going to give you an average estimated cost for a tire alignment here in the United States.
A 2-wheel alignment, also known as a front-end alignment, can cost around $60 to $100 while a 4-wheel alignment can cost between $100 and $200.
And, there you go! Here are the 5 things you should know about tire alignment.
It is recommended that you make sure your tires are aligned every 6 months. If you want to go by miles, check them at 6000 miles. Do not overlook the benefits as it can push the lifespan of your tires to the limit.