17 Jun Bensam Car Care Information – Alignment

On all vehicles the geometry can move out of alignment, this is commonly known as misalignment. There are several reasons why vehicle wheels become misaligned. Here are some 3 major causes:

1. Through everyday driving, but factors such as kerbing, hitting potholes etc. can alter your alignment dramatically.
2. Worn or damaged suspension / parts.
3. It may have been wrongly adjusted previously.

What are the benefits

 
The benefits are numerous and in today’s world it should not be ignored

1. Reduced tyre wear – Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tyre wear. Over the years, a properly aligned car can add thousands of miles to tyre life.
2. Improved fuel consumption – Fuel consumption reduces as the drag on the tyres (rolling resistance) decreases. Four wheel alignments sets the wheels straight / parallel, which along with correct tyre pressures, minimises the rolling resistance.
3. Saves money and the environment – By preventing premature tyre wear (and early tyre disposal) and Total Toe improving fuel economy / CO2 emissions, it not only reduces the cost of motoring – putting more money in your pocket, but also helps the environment too!
4. Improved handling – Many handling problems can be corrected by four wheel alignment, giving you the driver a better and enjoyable driving experience.
5. Safer driving – Misalignment will make the car less stable when taking emergency or evasive action. A suspension system inspection is part of an alignment procedure, therefore potentially allows worn parts to be spotted before they cause more costly problem.

How do I know if my cars wheels are out of alignment?

 
It is not always obvious, especially if the misalignment is slight but there are signs to look out for:

1. Uneven tyre wear on the fronts or the rears – If you can’t visibly see the wear, run your hands over the tyre and you can soon feel where the rubber has worn excessively, on the inside or outside edges. (Warning: Be careful, in extreme cases of excessive wear fine wire may be protruding from the rubber).
2. The car pulls to the left and right – When driving along a straight flat road and you either need to compensate through the steering to keep the car driving straight the car drifts to the left or right under braking.
3. A crooked steering wheel – The steering wheel is not straight, even when driving straight.

 How frequently should the alignment be checked?

1. As a general rule it is wise to have your wheel alignment checked – at least once a year
2. However, it is also highly recommended that when you knowingly hit a kerb or pothole, new tyres are fitted, steering and suspension components are replaced or the vehicle has been involved in any form of accident or collision (If the vehicle has been to a repair centre it may have had the alignment checked – just ask for the printout)