4-Wheel Alignment: Importance, Signs, and Cost of Properly Aligning Your Car’s Tires
As you drive you may notice your car pulling to one side more than the other, which may be a sign that the tires are misaligned. Misalignment of the tires may cause problems and lead to the tear and wear of your tire treads. This makes it unsafe for you to drive your car on the road safely. If you notice that it is time to get your tires aligned. It is important to understand why and how frequently you should have your tires aligned.
What is a four-wheel alignment?
This is the process of aligning all four tires on your vehicle. This is done to make sure that each wheel is pointed and angled in the manner suggested by the motor company. Both the front-end alignment and rear suspension are adjusted in a 4-wheel alignment. This means that only a qualified mechanic will modify any chamber, toe, and caster angles on your car’s front and rear ends.
A free wheel alignment diagnosis by a certified technician is commonly used in combination with a visual examination of the suspension and steering systems, a check of tire wear, and a test drive.
Importance of 4-wheel alignment
1) Benefits to the tires
If the tires are not well aligned, the tire life will be drastically reduced. The tires can be maintained at the appropriate angle with the car body after four rounds of positioning, and the grip is improved as a result. A regular 4-wheel alignment will lower the cost of purchasing new tires regularly.
2) It improves control
Following a four-wheel alignment adjustment, driving effectiveness is increased. The tires have enough traction to work effectively, especially in an emergency. It is difficult to steer if your car’s wheels are out of line. Even worse, you might find yourself swerving from side to side or gripping the steering wheel in an uncomfortable position. This increases the chances of having an accident due to this loss of control.
3) Reduced fuel economy
As the rolling friction force of the tire drops, fuel consumption decreases. The vehicle can follow the right path after adjusting the wheels, which to some extent minimizes wind resistance.
4) Check for car safety
If the tire harms the structural system, this check can show it. If a fault is detected, the tires are optimized and the structure is also adjusted appropriately, allowing the tires to determine the amount of wear on the associated parts and allowing for the early and complete resolution of the safety hazards.
When to know your car needs a 4-wheel alignment
Some signs will indicate your car needs a 4-wheel alignment which may include;
1) Your vehicle pulls to one side
Your car may pull to the left or the right when you need to steer to stay straight on the road; this is a sign that your tires need alignment.
2) Slanted steering wheel
A lopsided steering wheel frequently indicates a misaligned car. Right at the center is how your steering wheel was designed to be operated. Assess the position of your steering wheel when you are driving along a straight road. Checking to see if the logo in the middle is centered is an easy method to detect this.
3) Shaking of the car or steering wheel
Your car or steering wheel shouldn’t tremble such that you can feel it in your hands when you’re speeding. A set of misaligned wheels is one of the signs indicated when your car shakes as you drive.
4) Your tires wearing out excessively fast
The tire’s interior and exterior should deteriorate at the same rate. With the aid of an experienced professional or your own eyes, you can immediately see irregular tire wear. Similar to how a car shakes, irregular tire wear could indicate several issues, such as wheel misalignment.
How often should your car undergo a four-wheel alignment?
The frequency of wheel alignments may change based on your driving style, the car you drive, and other aspects. Wheel alignments are required frequently on vehicles with bigger tires or cars built for performance. Additionally, whenever you put new tires on your vehicle, you should think about doing a wheel alignment.
It is recommended you get your wheels aligned every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or every year.
What causes the misalignment of car wheels?
1) Low tire pressure
There could be a problem with your tire pressure if you notice your car wandering while you drive. Managing the proper tire pressure boosts fuel economy, extends the life of your vehicle, and keeps your vehicle’s alignment in check.
2) Large impact
Your car may incur long-term damage if you drive over big potholes or bump into a curb. Your vehicle’s alignment is changed by even a small bump caused by backing into a pole. You should have your alignment inspected any time your vehicle has been impacted by or has struck a pothole, pole, curb, or any other object.
3) An overdue realignment
Your car may show signs of misalignment when it is time for alignment after the previous alignment.
How much does a four-wheel alignment cost?
You should budget $50 or so for a 4-wheel alignment for smaller cars. However, you may expect to pay more if your automobile gets bigger. A four-wheel alignment for larger vehicles can cost up to $150.
Vehicles with four-wheel drive tend to be more expensive when it comes to the cost of a 4-wheel alignment. Therefore, it could be best to budget between $150 and $200 for a 4-wheel alignment.
Conclusion
To prevent a needless amount of wear on your brakes, steering, suspension, and tires, it is imperative to maintain a good wheel alignment. An accurate wheel alignment usually enhances the handling performance, increases tire life, and optimizes the driving stability of your car.
In case any sign indicates your car wheels are misaligned, it is important to contact a mechanic for a safe and smooth ride.
