Auto Wheel & Tire Alignment
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Auto Wheel & Tire Alignment
One of the most expensive general maintenance items of an automobile are the tires. They may provide years of reliable service, but when they reach the end of their lifespan, it can be expensive getting them replaced. To stretch every mile out of them, it’s important to properly maintain them and keep a regular service schedule.
Tire and wheel alignments are one way to extend their life. When an automobile is brand new, each wheel is aligned precisely along three axis so the wheel maintains the optimal contact with the road with the least resistance. But after a few potholes, curbs and speed bumps, some of the wheel’s connecting rods, bars and bearings can become worn or damaged and can push the wheel away from one or all of these axis’.
The most common symptom of wheels being out of alignment is the vehicle will veer to the left or right while driving on a straight road. Some may experience vibration in the steering wheel. If permitted to continue, visual signs of wear will begin to appear on the tires. This not only shortens the life of the tires, it also leads to lower gas mileage efficiency, strains other suspension and steering components, and is unsafe to drive.
If your car is experiencing these symptoms, call Ohio Autocare Cincinnati to schedule your wheel alignment. Our expert mechanics will quickly diagnose and repair your wheel alignment for maximum fuel economy, extend the life your tires and keep your ride safe.
Wheel & Tire Alignment
For Wheel & Tire Alignment in Cincinnati near the Kenwood Mall area, Call
513-752-0202
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Wheel & Tire Alignment
Wheel & Tire Alignments
Automobile tires perform their job 24/7/365 with little fanfare and in most cases, should make it through the standard warranty period. When its time for replacement, though, it can be quite the hit on the budget. Proper maintenance is essential to get the tires through their warranty and farther, maintain high fuel efficiency and to reduce wear on other components.
As with many automobile systems, most alignment issues are brought on by sustained impacts over the life of the vehicle. After a while, the speedbumps, debris, potholes and curbs take their toll on the precision aligned components. And if one component begins to wear, it can increase wear on related components.
When a mechanic performs a tire and wheel alignment, they don’t actually service the wheels themselves. Instead, they repair, tighten or replace the various rods, bars or other attached components to re-align the three applicable wheel axis to make them parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. These three wheel axis’ are referred to as Camber, Caster and Toe.
Wheel Toe Alignment – Out
Wheel Toe Alignment – In
Wheel Camber Alignment – Positive
Wheel Camber Alignment – Negative
Wheel Caster Alignment – Positive
Wheel Caster Alignment – Negative
Wheel Toe Alignment
Wheel Toe Alignment is the easiest to remember. Looking down at your feet provides an ideal visual of the tow axis alignment. The ideal alignment would be represented by your feet pointing straight out, perpendicular to the legs. If your toes are angled slightly inside or outside, that would represent the wheel’s toe being out of alignment. Front wheel drive vehicle usually have a little bit of toe-out to improve traction while rear wheel vehicles may have a little toe-in angle.
Wheel Toe Alignment is usually the result of issues with steering components, commonly the Tie Rods, though, ball joints, control arms, bushings, struts and spindles can also affect Wheel Toe Alignment. Aggressive driving can hasten wear and tear.
Wheel Camber Alignment
Like toe alignment, Wheel Camber Alignment is also aligned to an axis, but while the toe alignment can be represented along the X axis, the Wheel Camber Alignment can be thought of along the Y axis. So while the Toe Alignment can best be viewed overhead, Camber Alignment would be best viewed from the direct front or rear of the vehicle. Most vehicles are manufactured with a slight negative camber to improve handling.
Wheel Camber Alignments are usually related to damage or wear to the suspension components, including the axle. If the camber is not aligned properly, the tires rest on the inside or outside edges of the tires depending on which component is failing. Bent suspension components are commonly the issue when cambers are out of alignment.
Wheel Caster Alignment
Wheel Caster Alignment is a little different than Camber and Toe. If you think of a caster on a shopping cart, the alignment of the vertical connecting rod is positioned off-center of the wheel. When pushing the cart, the wheel falls behind the vertical rod (unless you got the one with the bad wheel). Viewed from the side of the vehicle, caster alignment is the alignment of the steering axis. The mis-alignment of the caster is usually an indication of a bent or damaged control arm, strut, or spindle. Worn or damaged springs can also directly affect the caster alignment.
Most vehicles are manufactured with a positive caster alignment that enables the tires to automatically return to their forward position after a turn.
Wheels Aligned
Wheel Toe Out of Alignment
Wheel Camber Out of Alignment
Steering Axis Inclination
One of the two secondary axis, the Steering Axis Inclination is the angle of the Strut Assembly relative to the wheel. Similar to the Wheel Caster Alignment, returns the wheels to center following a turn.
Thrust Angle
Finally, the Thrust Angle is the measurement of the vehicle relative to the rear axle. The desired setting is to have the Thrust Angle perpendicular to the axle so the rear wheels travel the same path as the front tires when driving in a straight line. If the Thrust Angle is anything but 90°, the back tires will travel to the left or right of the front tires.