What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel Alignment London refers to the adjustment of the angles of the wheels so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Proper wheel alignment is essential for ensuring that a vehicle’s tyres wear evenly. It also ensures the vehicle handling and if it travels in a straight line without pulling to one side or the other.
The three main angles that need adjusting during a wheel alignment are the camber, caster, and toe. A qualified mechanic can perform a Wheel Alignment London using specialized equipment. They adjust these angles to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Symptoms of Wheel Misalignment
There are several symptoms of wheel misalignment that you may notice while driving.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle pulls to one side or the other while you’re driving on a straight, flat road, it could be a sign of wheel misalignment.
- Uneven Tyre Wear: When your wheels are not aligned, it can cause uneven wear on your tyres. You may notice that the tread on one tyre is more worn than the others, or that the tyres are wearing more on the inside or outside edges.
- Steering Wheel Vibration: If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel while you’re driving, it could be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment.
- Crooked Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel is off-centre or crooked when you’re driving straight, it could be a sign of wheel misalignment.
- Squealing Tyres: When your wheels are not aligned, it can cause your tyres to squeal or screech when you’re turning.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your wheels checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. This ensures your safety on the road and avoids further damage to your vehicle.
What to Do if You Have Wheel Misalignment
It is important to address the issue promptly if you suspect that you have wheel misalignment. This prevents further damage and ensures your safety on the road. You can also improve handling and safety, and extend the lifespan of your tyres. Here are the steps to take if you have wheel misalignment:
- Check for Signs of Misalignment: Signs of wheel misalignment can include uneven tyre wear. You might also experience w pulling to one side while driving, and steering wheel vibration or pulling.
- Professional Alignment Check: Visit a reputable garage or tyre shop to have a professional alignment check. The technician will use specialized equipment to check the alignment angles and adjust them as necessary.
- Follow the Technician’s Recommendations: The technician will provide recommendations for correcting the misalignment. It may include adjusting the alignment angles, replacing damaged parts, or repairing any other issues.
- Regularly Check Your Alignment: Regularly check your alignment and tyre wear. This is to ensure that your vehicle is properly aligned and to prevent future issues.
Different Types of Wheel Misalignment and Their Treatment
There are three common types of Wheel Alignment London: camber, caster, and toe. Each type of misalignment requires a different type of treatment.
Camber
Camber is the tilt of the wheel from the vertical when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. A positive camber means the top of the wheel is leaning inward (toward the centre of the vehicle). Whereas a negative camber means the top of the wheel is leaning outward (away from the centre of the vehicle).
If your vehicle has excessive camber, the tyres will wear more on the outside edge. This can cause decreased traction and handling, and uneven tyre wear.
If your vehicle has negative camber, the tyres may Cup on the inside. If your vehicle has positive camber, the tyres may wear on the outside edge.
Camber needs correction by adjusting the camber alignment angle.
Caster
The caster is the angle of the steering pivot from the vertical. A positive caster angle pushes the steering wheel or levers forward as the suspension moves up and away from the vehicle, while a negative caster angle pulls the steering wheel or lever rearward.
If your vehicle has excessive caster, it will be hard to turn the steering wheel. The car will also feel “sluggish” and will want to keep going in a straight line.
If your vehicle has a negative caster, the car will want to turn sharply to the left or right.
The caster needs correction by adjusting the caster alignment angle.
Toe
Toe is the amount of inward or outward angle of the wheels when viewed from the front. Toe-in means the front of the wheels are closer together than the rear, while toe-out means the front of the wheels is farther apart than the rear.
If your vehicle has excessive toe-in, the tyres will wear more on the inside edges. This can cause decreased traction and handling, and can also cause the vehicle to pull to one side.
If your vehicle has excessive toe-out, the tyres will wear more on the outside edges. This can cause decreased traction and handling, and can also cause the vehicle to veer off to one side.
The toe needs correction by adjusting the toe alignment angle.
