Wheel alignment, also known as tire alignment, ensures your tires perform as they should. This service also corrects your tires to ensure they last longer. It can improve vehicle handling and keep your vehicle running in the direction you want it to go. Therefore, wheel alignments are essential to your safety.
What Is a Wheel Alignment
A wheel alignment is actually an adjustment of the suspension so that your tires and wheels are parallel and meet the road at the right angle. It is not an adjustment of the tires or wheels like most people think. The angles that the technicians work with are called the camber, caster, and toe.
How to Tell If You need a Wheel Alignment
There are several red flags that your vehicle may show when your wheel alignment is off. If you catch onto any of the following signs, please bring your vehicle to our shop to have your alignment checked as soon as possible:
- Uneven tread wear
- Vehicle veering to the left or right
- Off-centered steering wheel
- Steering wheel vibration
Is It Different Than Tire Balancing
Some people get confused when it comes to wheel alignments and tire balancing. They are not the same thing. Instead of adjusting your vehicle’s wheel angles, a tire/wheel balance involves balancing their weight to minimize vibrations. The tires are spun to measure the imbalance and determine where weight needs to be added or removed.
If your vehicle is due for maintenance to prevent premature tread wear, please visit Ripley’s Total Care for reliable wheel alignments and more.