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Read moreStraighten Up: When Your Wheels Are Trying to Tell You Something
Wheel alignment is about more than keeping your steering wheel straight. It ensures your wheels are positioned at the correct angles in relation to the vehicle, helping maintain predictable handling, even tyre wear and proper road contact.
For older cars , correct wheel alignment can be particularly important. Older suspension designs, modified components, non-standard wheel and tyre combinations, or years of wear can all affect alignment settings.
Symptoms: How Do You Know Your Alignment Is Out?
Common signs include:
- The vehicle pulling or drifting to one side on a level road
- A steering wheel that sits off-centre when driving straight
- Uneven, feathered or unusually rapid tyre wear
- Wandering or reduced stability
- Changes in handling after fitting suspension, steering or wheel components
These symptoms are not always caused by alignment alone. Worn tie rod ends, ball joints, suspension bushes, wheel bearings or damaged components can affect how accurately an alignment can be performed.
Causes: Why Does Wheel Alignment Change?
Alignment can be affected by potholes, kerb impacts, rough roads and general suspension wear. In and around Alice Springs, corrugated roads, unsealed surfaces and long-distance driving can place additional stress on steering and suspension components.
A vehicle fitted with upgraded suspension or different wheels and tyres may not suit generic alignment settings. The condition and adjustment range of the original suspension components can also influence the final result.
What to Do
If your vehicle is showing alignment symptoms, A-One Mechanics can inspect the steering and suspension system before using its state-of-the-art digital wheel aligner to accurately measure the vehicle's wheel angles.
This allows technicians to identify issues with camber, caster and toe and make adjustments where the vehicle's design allows. If worn or damaged components are affecting the alignment, these should generally be addressed first.
A correct wheel alignment can help improve tyre life, steering response and straight-line stability while reducing unnecessary stress on tyres and suspension components.
Prevention: Don't Wait for Crooked Tyres
Consider having the alignment checked after a significant pothole or kerb strike, suspension repairs or upgrades, or when fitting new tyres. Regular inspections can also help identify worn steering and suspension components before they cause more extensive tyre wear.
Unusual fact: A small toe adjustment can have a surprisingly large effect on tyre wear over thousands of kilometres. The tyres may look almost straight to the eye while still scrubbing away rubber as the vehicle travels down the road.
For accurate wheel alignment and experienced mechanical advice, talk to the team at A-One Mechanics, your trusted independently owned Repco Authorised Service centre in Alice Springs.
FAQ
Wheel Alignment FAQs
Can a wheel alignment fix a crooked steering wheel?
Often, yes. If the steering wheel is off-centre because of incorrect alignment, it can usually be centred during the alignment process. However, damaged or worn steering components may need attention first.
Should I get a wheel alignment after fitting new tyres?
It is a good idea, particularly if the previous tyres showed uneven wear. An alignment check can help protect your investment in the new tyres.
Can worn suspension bushes affect wheel alignment?
Yes. Worn bushes and other suspension components can allow the wheel angles to change under braking, cornering or normal driving loads. In some cases, an alignment will not remain stable until the worn components are repaired.
Does lowering a classic car affect its alignment?
It can. Changing ride height alters suspension geometry and may affect camber, caster and toe. A wheel alignment should be performed after suspension modifications.
How often should wheel alignment be checked?
There is no single interval that suits every vehicle. It is worth checking whenever handling changes, tyres wear unevenly, suspension work is completed or the vehicle has experienced a significant impact.
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