Wheel Alignment Check
Wheel alignment is important for tire life and vehicle handling.
Overview
Wheel alignment is a service in which a mechanic first checks, or measures the positioning of a vehicles wheels against the vehicle manufactures recommended specifications, and then adjusts various suspension components as needed.
A proper wheel alignment helps your vehicle drive the way it was designed to. When your wheels are correctly aligned, your tires wear more evenly, your steering feels more precise, and your overall driving experience is smoother and more controlled. Even small misalignments can impact performance over time, which is why regular alignment checks are an important part of maintaining your vehicle. If you want a quick place to start, stop by one of our locations.
Improve Handling and Control
A correctly aligned vehicle drives straighter, feels more stable, and responds better on the road.
Protect Your Tire Investment
Proper alignment helps prevent uneven wear so your tires last as long as they should.
Avoid Hidden Wear and Tear
Catching alignment issues early helps reduce strain on suspension components and other systems.
What to expect during your visit:
Precision measurement of your wheel alignment using specialized equipment
Inspection of suspension components that may affect alignment
Identification of uneven tire wear patterns or handling issues
Clear explanation of your vehicle’s alignment condition
Recommendations for adjustment if your alignment is out of spec
Why Is Wheel Alignment Important
Wheel alignment is important because it affects the life of your tires and the handling of your vehicle. A vehicle that is out of alignment may rapidly wear tires unevenly and uneven tire wear is not covered by the tire manufacturer's mileage warranty. Wheel alignment may also affect the handling of your vehicle.
Some of the most common causes of your car going out of alignment are uneven roads or potholes, small collisions (curbs), suspension related repairs to your vehicle, and normal wear and tear.
To the naked eye, it is nearly impossible to tell if your tires need alignment. Simply put, even a fraction of a degree can affect your tires alignment and technology is needed to diagnose your tire's alignment situation. It's better not to wait until your tires are prematurely worn down to get your alignment fixed, but tackle the problem early and secure a longer tire life and save yourself some money down the road.
How Often Should I Get My Wheels Aligned
The general rule of thumb for scheduling a wheel alignment is every 6,000 miles. If you wait too long, your tires can start to wear unevenly. Tire alignment can be affected if the tires shift even a tenth of a degree or hundredth of an inch. As time goes on, this misalignment can cause premature and uneven wear.
If an alignment adjustment ends up being the right next step, you may also want to review our current coupons before your visit.
Common Signs of Misalignment
- Tire inner or outer edge wear
- Car pulling or wandering
- Cupping wear pattern
- Steering wheel is off center
Camber, Toe, Caster
Wheel alignment can be simplified into three main elements: Camber, Toe, and Caster. Camber angle can be described as the angle in degrees that the tire is tilted along a vertical axis. A camber angle of zero degrees would be the wheel aligned vertically perpendicular to the surface, meaning the tire is aligned perfectly straight up and down. This is ideal for even tire wear and longer tire life.
Toe angle is the angle that the tires are pointing inward or outward when you look top-down at your vehicle. It is easy to visualize toe angle if you picture yourself walking with your toes pointing out or pointing inward (pigeon toed). Maintaining correct toe angle is important to reduce wear on tire edges, due to scrubbing against the surface of the road.
Caster is the hardest to visualize, and is the angle created by the steering pivot point from the front to the back of the vehicle. Car racers will often adjust their caster angle to optimize performance in certain driving situations.
If your vehicle is pulling or your steering wheel is off center, you can schedule a same day appointment with American Tire Depot and let our team take a closer look.
FAQs
Tire & Wheel Services
Reserve time with a tire expert to help choose the right tires for your vehicle and budget.
Flat Tire Repairs are always free. Even if you did not purchase the tires from us.
To avoid uneven tread wear it's important to rotate your tires regularly.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is simple but vital for safety, performance, fuel savings, and tire life.
Our technicians will check the condition of your TPMS system for free.
We offer wheel balancing services to ensure longer tire life, even wear, and a smooth, vibration-free ride.
Switch to winter tires in the fall and back to summer tires in the spring for optimal safety and performance.
Vehicle Maintenance Services
Reserve an appointment for an oil change that includes a free tire rotation and basic inspection items.
Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape with a full vehicle inspection.
We can quickly check the condition of your battery using our state-of-art equipment.
Heating and cooling system is essential for cabin comfort and engine performance. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your system is in top shape!
Warning Light? Strange sound? We can can help with a basic engine check.
Our technicians will check the level and condition of the important fluids in your vehicle.
Belts and hoses are essential to your vehicle's reliability, and ignoring worn components can lead to overheating, power loss, or unexpected breakdowns.
Shocks and struts are vital to your vehicle's suspension system and ignoring worn parts compromises performance and safety.
Learn the signs of a bad starter and alternator, and schedule an appointment to help maintain battery health and engine performance.
Your windshield wipers are essential to a clear view. Choose the right blades and care for them regularly.
Functioning headlights and taillights are essential for visibility and safety. Schedule your appointment today for a quick replacement.
Learn the signs that your engine air filter(s) need replacement to ensure clean air supply and prevent costly damages.
A clean cabin air filter helps keep dust, pollen, and road pollutants out of your vehicle's interior for healthier air.