Proper tire and wheel alignment is significant for safe driving and extending the life of your tires. With pothole season in full swing across Michigan, hitting one of those problematic potholes can knock your vehicle's alignment out, resulting in uneven tire wear, pulling, wandering, and other issues. Continue reading to learn more about tire and wheel alignments and the best places to get your vehicle serviced in Rochester Hills and nearby areas.
What Exactly is Tire & Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment refers to properly positioning your vehicle's wheels in relation to each other and the road surface. When a vehicle's wheels are aligned correctly, they point straight ahead and are parallel to each other. This enables the tires to wear evenly and provides proper handling and steering control. Proper alignment allows you to get the most efficient and effective drive possible as you hit the road around Detroit.
There are several key alignment measurements that technicians check and adjust. These elements you might not even think to check if you were to do it yourself. These include:
- Toe - measures whether the wheels point inwards or outwards from each other
- Camber - measures the tilt of the wheels from vertical
- Caster - measures how far forward or backward the steering axis is tilted
- Misalignment can be caused by potholes, curbs, debris, improper installation, and normal driving over time. Striking a pothole is one of the most common reasons for wheel misalignment in Rochester Hills during the spring.
Why Proper Alignment is So Important
Driving with improperly aligned wheels can lead to an array of issues, such as:
- Uneven tire wear - misalignment causes tires to wear unevenly and wear out faster
- Decreased fuel economy - misaligned wheels create extra drag and friction
- Pulling, wandering, vibration - makes the vehicle harder to control
- Reduced handling and steering control
In addition to safety and performance concerns, driving with misaligned wheels costs you money due to increased tire wear and reduced fuel efficiency. Properly aligning your vehicle improves safety, extends tire life, and saves you money in the long run.
When to Get an Alignment
The experts recommend getting your alignment inspected once a year or every 10,000-15,000 miles. You may need an alignment more often if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Uneven tire wear
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Steering wheel vibration
- Reduced steering response
- Squealing tires
After striking a pothole, curb, or debris, you should check your alignment immediately, even if you don't notice any symptoms. Damage from an impact may not be visible, and the wheels could be knocked out of alignment.
Tire & Wheel Alignment Shops in Rochester Hills
If your vehicle needs a tire and wheel alignment, there are skilled alignment shops in Rochester Hills and nearby that can properly realign your wheels.
Most alignment services take less than an hour. Call ahead for an appointment, as some shops can get busy during peak times. The technicians will position your vehicle on an alignment rack, verify all the angles, and make any necessary adjustments. Many shops offer free alignment inspections to inform you if your vehicle is out of alignment.
Maintain Proper Alignment in Rochester Hills
Driving with improperly aligned wheels can lead to various issues affecting your safety, tire wear, and driving performance. To avoid problems, have your vehicle's alignment checked yearly and every time you notice an issue. Keeping your wheels properly aligned will prolong the life of your tires, enhance fuel efficiency and handling, and, most importantly - keep you safe on the roads.