Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of wheels to the car manufacturer specifications. During everyday driving the set angles of the wheels may undergo a considerable variation over time. This could be due to your car’s parts getting worn out over time (E.g. Wearing out of suspension spring), an innocent hit to a curb, an unavoidable pothole, a small accident etc.
A wheel alignment restores these angles to their correct settings, making sure your wheels are straight in line with the vehicle and making the right contact with the road. In fact, wheel alignment is an adjustment of the vehicle’s suspension and not an adjustment of the wheels themselves. Since these angles are sensitive in deciding the cars straight line stability, steering wheel returnability and cornering capability, it is a good rule of thumb to get wheel alignment done once a year especially if you get new tyres. Usually, its recommended to get a wheel alignment done after running the tyres for 5000 km. Signs that show your wheels are out of alignment are:
- you feel your vehicle drifting or pulling to one side
- your steering wheel off center while driving on a straight road
- you notice rapid and uneven tyre wear
- you experience uneven braking
