OPTIMISE YOUR TYRES' PERFORMANCE WITH PROPER WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Proper wheel alignment is crucial for achieving even tyre wear and optimal performance. Well-aligned wheels ensure:
• Safe and predictable vehicle control
• A smooth, comfortable ride free from pulling or vibrations
• Improved fuel efficiency
Modern vehicle suspensions require precise four-wheel alignment, achievable only through advanced wheel alignment services for both front and rear-wheel drives. Read on to discover everything you need to know about wheel alignment before booking your service with Tyrepower.
RECOGNISING MISALIGNMENT & TYRE WEAR
Poor tyre wear is often linked to misalignment. Here’s how you can identify and address common alignment issues.
Symptoms of Misalignment and Corresponding Tyre Wear:
| Misalignment Condition | Tyre Wear Symptom |
|---|---|
| Incorrect camber setting | Premature smooth wear on either inside or outside shoulder |
| Incorrect toe setting | Feathered wear across tread; raised tread block edges |
| Incorrect caster setting | Excessive shoulder wear; tread blocks show “heel-toe” wear pattern |
| Unequal caster setting | Sharp pulling, necessitating steering compensation and feather wear |
| Unequal toe setting | Sharp pulling, necessitating steering compensation and feathered wear |
| Combination of misaligned settings | Irregular tread wear, with feathering and smooth spots |
Early detection of these symptoms can extend your tyres' tread life. For a professional diagnosis, visit your local Tyrepower.
Wheel alignment involves adjusting the vehicle’s suspension rather than the tyres or wheels themselves. The angles and directions of the tyres post-alignment are critical for vehicle performance.
There are five essential aspects of a proper wheel alignment: caster, camber, toe, thrust, and ride height:
Caster refers to the angle of the steering axis, which supports the wheel and tyre assembly. Viewed from the side, an imaginary line between the upper and lower ball joints forms an angle with the vertical axis, known as caster. This angle affects steering feel and high-speed stability.
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the tyre, viewed from the front of the vehicle. The adjustment maximises tyre-to-road contact, accounting for force changes during turns. Aggressive drivers may prefer a more negative camber, while highway drivers might opt for a more positive camber.
Toe describes the angle at which tyres point inward (toe-in) or outward (toe-out) when viewed from above. Front-wheel-drive vehicles require a toe-out setting, while rear-wheel-drive vehicles need a toe-in setting to ensure tyres roll parallel when in motion.
Ride Height is the distance between the vehicle’s frame and the road, serving as the reference point for all alignment measurements. Customising a vehicle’s ride height or changing tyre sizes necessitates a wheel alignment service to maintain proper alignment.
Tyres often bear the brunt of various issues. Simply replacing them without addressing the root causes, like a worn suspension, may lead to recurring problems.
Common Worn Parts Affecting Wheel Alignment
• Worn Springs: Can lower ride height and alter vehicle geometry, causing misalignment.
• Worn Ball Joints: Lead to erratic handling, slow steering response, and irregular tyre wear.
• Worn Tie Rods: Allow tyres to wander, changing toe alignment and causing feathered tread wear.
Tyre Imbalance
Improper tyre fitting can cause imbalances and misalignment. Professional tyre fittings are recommended to avoid these issues.
Maintaining proper wheel alignment is essential for tyre care. Ensure you schedule regular wheel alignment services with trusted specialists like Tyrepower to maximise your tyres’ performance and lifespan. Alignment is crucial to getting the most out of your tyres. For comprehensive tyre maintenance, trust Tyrepower to keep your vehicle in top condition.
