What is Wheel Alignment?
A car alignment ensures that all four of a vehicle’s tires are pointing in the same direction and are at the correct angles. It consists of three angles:
- Camber indicates the inward or outward tilt of the wheels relative to the road surface. The ideal camber reading for most vehicles should be close to zero, indicating a vertical orientation relative to the road surface. Most cars are within one degree of vertical and usually as negative camber to improve handling.
- Caster is an angle measurement in a wheel alignment that indicates the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side. The ideal caster angle is always positive, meaning the position of the wheel is shifted forward of a vertical axis.
- Toe is an angle measurement in a wheel alignment that indicates the inward or outward tilt of the front and rear wheels when viewed from above. This is the most common angle that needs to be addressed, and it’s also the part of a wheel alignment that we’ll deal with in this article.
Why Is Wheel Alignment Important?
Not only does wheel alignment improve the handling quality and ride comfort of your car, it also helps maintain its safety by ensuring that all the wheels on your car are pointed in the right direction, otherwise they end up fighting against each other.
If the camber is too positive (the top of the tire is tilted outward), it can cause excessive tire wear on the outside of the tread. If it is too negative (the top of the tire is tilted inward), it can cause excessive wear on the inside tread.
If the caster angle is too positive (tilted backward), it can cause instability when driving at higher speeds or taking turns. If it is too negative (tilted forward), it can cause an overly sensitive steering experience and make it harder to keep your vehicle in a straight line.
If the toe is too positive (the wheels are pointed outward), it can cause premature tire wear and instability when turning. If it is too negative (the wheels are pointed inward), it can cause excessive tire wear on the inside tread and make it hard to keep your car moving straight.
Signs Your Car Needs an Alignment
Regularly driving over bumps or potholes, running over curbs, and hitting uneven surfaces are all common occurrences in your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, over time these incidences take a toll on the condition of your vehicle’s wheels and tires, often leading to various alignment issues.
When this happens, symptoms will show up that indicate your car needs an alignment such as:
- Unusual tire wear patterns like feathering
- Worn suspension components
- Vibrations that increase at higher speeds
- Pulling left or right when at highway speed
- A tight or loose steering sensation
- Squealing tires
- A steering wheel that’s off center
To get the best performance out of your vehicle and keep you safe while driving, wheel alignment should be checked at least every 12,000 miles or whenever any major service or repair was done on your car’s suspension or steering system.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Align Your Car
A wheel alignment is a job that needs to be done every couple of years, even if your vehicle isn’t showing any signs of poor handling. Since it requires adjustments that are very precise, it’s recommended to have a professional mechanic do it for you, especially for camber and caster. However, you might be able to align the toe angle on the front wheels pretty well after replacing steering or suspension parts like a tie rod end or struts.
To align your car, follow these steps:
1. Park your car on a level surface
Park on a flat, even surface like a level garage floor. Set the steering wheel straight and secure it. Then, bounce the car’s suspension a few times to settle it.
2. Mark a reference on the tires
Using a wax pencil or a marker, measure four inches up at the front and rear side of each front tire on the outer sidewall. This mark will be used to ensure you’re working as accurately as possible.
3. Measure the distances between the tires
Place something flat like a level across the two marks on the tire on one side and have a friend do the same on the other. Then, measure a measuring tape or length of string stretched up to your flat bar on the rear side of the front tires and the front side as well. Compare the measurements. A very slight toe-in angle is normal where the front side is slightly narrower than the rear.
4. Adjust the toe angle
If the toe is far from zero, whether that’s toe-in or toe-out, it needs to be adjusted. Loosen the jam nuts on the adjuster sleeve for each tie rod end and use a wrench to move the adjuster narrower or wider. Bounce the vehicle a few times and re-measure. Adjust until the measurement is within about 1/8th of an inch narrower in the front than the rear of the tires.
5. Tighten the Jam Nuts
Tighten the jam nuts and test drive your car to determine if the steering feels good and your car handles well. Then, make an appointment to get a complete wheel alignment done at your preferred shop.
Regular wheel alignment ultimately extends your tires’ lifetime and reduces strain on the steering and suspension. At AutoZone, find the parts you need to fix your suspension and steering, and Trustworthy Advice to keep you motoring safely.
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FAQ/People Also Ask
What is wheel alignment?
Wheel alignment is a process of calibrating the angle and position of the tires relative to each other and the vehicle.
Why is wheel alignment important for my car?
It’s a fundamental service to keep your vehicle handling safely and comfortably like it was meant to from the factory.
How often should I have my car aligned?
You should have your alignment checked at least once per year and adjusted at least every two years. It’s often recommended to align your car annually.
What are the signs that my car needs an alignment?
Troublesome handling, loose or tight steering, abnormal tire wear, an off-center steering wheel, and pulling or vibration when you’re driving at higher speeds indicate a bad alignment.
Can I align my car myself or should I take it to a professional?
It’s imprecise to align a car yourself, although it is possible. It’s certainly better to have a professional do it for you.
How much does it cost to have my car aligned?
Prices vary from shop to shop, as well as by region. Expect to pay between $75 and $150 in most cases.
What happens if I don’t align my car?
You could have suspension or tires wear prematurely. It could even contribute to loss of control or an accident.
Can wheel alignment affect my car’s fuel efficiency?
Yes. Bad wheel alignment increases rolling resistance, which requires more fuel to overcome it.
Can wheel alignment affect my car’s handling and performance?
Absolutely. Wheel alignment contributes to poor steering response, a floating feeling, vibrations, and pulling.
Is it necessary to have a wheel alignment after getting new tires?
Replacing tires doesn’t necessitate a wheel alignment. However, ensuring the alignment is correct can promote a longer tire life and better handling.
