The Importance Of A 4-Wheel Alignment
Have you been noticing increased vibration when driving your vehicle? Then you may be in need of a 4-wheel alignment. If your alignment is off, it will affect your vehicle’s steering, suspension, safety, and the durability of your tires. And though no indicator on your dash lets you know when your tires are misaligned, you should regularly get your tires rotated and aligned by a professional tire services shop like us at N.S. Diesel and Automotive every 10,000 Km’s.
How Vehicles Lose Their Alignment
Several factors can throw off your tire alignment. The usual culprits include hitting potholes, curbs, or concrete parking stalls. But it can also occur due to simple wear and tear over time. As vehicles age, the rubber components may start to crack, and ball or socket joints will loosen. Other causes can be if a vehicle is involved in an accident or if the springs sag, causing a change in ride height.
What Happens If I Don’t Get My Wheels Aligned?
If you do not get a 4-wheel alignment on a regular basis, the misaligned camber, caster, and toe will result in poor handling of your vehicle. Also, you will spend a lot more on tires as they will wear faster than a properly aligned vehicle. You will be able to see premature tire wear on one side of your tires’ treads. And you may notice that the car pulls to one side.
Without a 4-wheel alignment, when you spin your steering wheel back to the straight-ahead position, it will not rotate back into place properly. The steering may also be heavy and sluggish. Or in contrast, the steering will be lighter, but the vehicle will wander on the road, and you will have difficulties keeping the car driving in a straight line. Lastly, crucial steering and suspension parts may be affected as well.
How Will A 4-Wheel Alignment Help?
A 4-wheel alignment will create optimal drivability. Your tires will hug the road better and offer a smoother drive. Also, your tires will not wear as fast, making them last longer. A 4-wheel alignment will also keep your wheels pointed in the right direction. And one of the most significant benefits is that it will require less energy to spin the tires, saving you money on fuel.
What Is The Process Of A 4-Wheel Alignment?
First, we will inspect the steering and suspension system, including looking at the tire condition and air pressure. After placing the vehicle on the alignment rack, we mount and calibrate sensors. Next, we print out initial alignment settings and adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles accordingly. Afterward, we print out the final alignment readings and road test the vehicle to ensure the alignment is not off.
Where Can I Get A 4-Wheel Alignment?
If you are in the Dartmouth area, call 902-446-0449, fill out our online form, or stop by our service centre at 15 B Fielding Ave in Dartmouth. Contact us today to get your 4-wheel alignment so your vehicle is road ready.