Truck or car alignment
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Is your car pulling to one side or would you like to keep your tires in top condition? Then regularly checking your alignment is a must. Proper alignment prevents premature wear and keeps you safe on the road.
Aligning your car
Simply put, aligning your car ensures that your wheels are perfectly aligned with the road and with each other. Alignment is like a reset for your tires and steering. This way, everything works the way it should again. Not only is this important for a smooth ride, but it also reduces unnecessary wear on your tires. A properly aligned car drives more safely, more economically and simply better.
Truck alignment
We don’t just limit ourselves to passenger cars; we also have the knowledge and equipment to align larger vehicles, such as trucks and HGVs. Aligning these heavyweights is a job we are happy to do for you. Our workshop is equipped with advanced equipment specifically designed for truck alignment. A properly aligned truck or truck ensures road safety, longer tire life, and fuel efficiency.
When should you have your vehicle aligned
It’s smart to have your vehicle checked regularly, but especially after certain events, alignment is a must.
Think about replacing your tires, after a minor collision, or just when you notice that driving is not as smooth as before.
Your car pulls to one side
Have you noticed that you keep having to make slight adjustments to keep driving straight? This may indicate a misalignment or misalignment. It’s not a major drama, but it is something we at Tires Michel can help you with quickly. This way we make sure you can get back on the road safely and without extra effort.
Replacing shock absorbers, track rods or suspension
Any time you replace parts of your car’s suspension, such as shock absorbers, track rods or the suspension, it’s a good time to check the alignment. These parts play a role in how your car lays on the road and responds to steering commands. A replacement can affect the alignment, which is why we always recommend you check it out.
Your car steers heavily
Does your steering feel heavy and not as responsive as it should? This is often a sign that your tire pressure is too low or your car’s alignment is not quite right. A heavy steering wheel can greatly affect your driving experience and cause more fatigue while driving. If you have any doubts, be sure to stop by our headquarters for a quick check.
You had four new tires installed
When changing tires and wheels, we always recommend aligning them right away as well. Especially when you make the annual change between winter and summer tires, it is a good idea to align your car at these times. Having everything checked annually will improve the life of your tires and safety on the road.
In case of damage or minor occurrences
An accident happens quickly. When you hit a curb, drive over a rock or into a deep pit or have a minor collision, it can have an effect on your alignment. If you notice anything strange after such an incident, don’t wait too long and bring your car to us. A quick check can prevent bigger problems and costs in the future.
At wheel camber or tracking
“Wheel camber” and “toe-in” are terms that may sound a bit technical, but they are hugely important to the way your car drives. Below we clarify both terms and what it means:
Wheel camber (also known as camber)
This refers to the angle of your wheels relative to the vertical axis of the car. Imagine you are standing directly in front of your car. If the top of the wheel leans further in (negative camber) or out (positive camber) than the bottom, you are dealing with wheel camber. Proper wheel camber ensures that your tires wear evenly and provides optimum grip during cornering.
TIP: How to recognize problems with wheel travel? Look at the pattern of tire wear. If one side of the tire is wearing faster than the other, it may be a sign that the wheel clearance adjustment is not optimal.
Sporing (also known as toe-in or toe-out)
Sporing is about the direction your wheels are pointing. Are the front ends of your wheels pointing slightly towards each other (toe-in) or away from each other (toe-out)? Toe-out causes understeer in turns. You can recognize this when your tires wear on the outside of the tire. Outspacing causes oversteer, which can make you feel like you’re sliding into corners. This is also quickly recognized by irregular wear on the inside of the tire.
Signs of track problems include a car pulling to one side or a steering wheel that does not return properly to the center position after making a turn. In either case, it is important to get abnormalities corrected quickly. Not intervening in time can cause premature wear of your tires and affect your driving experience.
What is the difference between alignment and tire balancing?
Alignment and balancing are often confused with each other, but they are actually two different things. Alignment is about the angle at which your tires are in relation to the road and how they are aligned with each other. Tire balancing, on the other hand, is the process of making sure that the weight of the tires is correctly distributed in relation to the imbalance in the rims…. If tires are not properly balanced, it can cause vibrations in the steering wheel, floor or seat, affecting both driving comfort and tire wear.
Benefits of tire alignment
Aligning your tires is an investment in the longevity and performance of your car. When your tires are properly aligned, you enjoy a host of benefits:
- Extended life of your tires: This is perhaps the biggest benefit. Correctly aligned tires wear more evenly and less quickly. This means you won’t have to buy new tires as often, saving you money in the long run.
- Improved fuel efficiency: Tires that are properly aligned create less rolling resistance. This means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard, and as a result you have lower fuel consumption.
- Increased security: A car that is properly aligned offers a more stable and predictable driving experience. This improves safety because your car responds better to steering maneuvers, especially in difficult driving conditions and on slippery or wet road surfaces.
- Optimal roadholding: No one likes a car that vibrates or shakes. By aligning your tires, you ensure a smooth ride without discomfort for driver and passenger.
- Less stress on your car: Correct alignment also means less stress on other mechanical components, such as the suspension and steering mechanism.
Also have your tires aligned?
Make an appointment at Banden Michel.
Is it time to have your alignment looked at properly? Easily make an appointment at Banden Michel for a smooth and safe ride.