Auto Tip
November 6, 2009
| Checking Wheel Alignment: Part I
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| By Scott Roush
| Adjusting a car's wheel alignment is something that most of us look at with some trepidation. After all, it sounds like something your mechanic, in a garage with specialized equipment and years of experience, should do. In this case, you are likely right. Alignments take specialized equipment and tools as well as experience of working on cars. It is not something for an amateur mechanic to do.
That being said, some people may feel a mechanic is taking advantage of them because of their ignorance about alignments and how often a car needs them. But don't feel that way if your mechanic does recommend this service. All cars and trucks need alignment from time to time.
There are several reasons why vehicles need alignments. You should get you car aligned when you buy news tires; when you have a rack and pinion steering unit or other steering parts in your car replaced; when certain warning signs appear on your car; or about every 30,000 miles, regardless if warning signs appear or not.
What is an Alignment?
Although it may seem complicated, alignment is simply making sure the wheels are operating parallel with one another, and the tires meet the road at the correct angle.
Four-wheel drive alignment is standard service these days, and is important on vehicles with front-wheel drive and independent rear suspension. Two-wheel alignments may save you money up front, but your vehicle's handling and tire tread life may be compromised. When doing a four-wheel alignment, the rear wheels should follow the front wheels in a parallel path.
Automakers recommend certain measurement specifications for the angles created between the suspension and steering components, the wheels and the frame of the vehicle. When these angles are correct, the vehicle is properly aligned.
This means the best possible compromise has been achieved among minimum rolling friction, maximum tire mileage, stability of the car on the road, and steering control for the driver.
Return tomorrow for Checking Wheel Alignment: Part 2.
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• Health Tip by HealthScout.com
• Romantic Tip by LovingYou.com
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