2007-02-24 22:47:43 · 10 answers · asked by pragya 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Billy Butthead said it all, If i Might add the reasons for an alignment are that the proper wheel alignment minimizes tire wear, and improves fuel efficiency, provides for an even stable traction application in excessive situations, meaning you have greater control under period of hard braking or steering.
2007-02-24 23:49:59 · answer #1 · answered by DeSaxe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you let go of the wheel and the car pulls excessively to the left or the right, then you should check with your mechanic to see if your car needs a wheel alignment. Obviously, if you let go of the wheel, and the car pulls to one side a little bit, it's probably ok, but if you let go and it really pulls away, then it might need an alignment. Uneven tire tread wear would also show that your car needs an alignment.
2007-02-25 06:51:45 · answer #2 · answered by chrisatmudd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are three factors in wheel alignment.
Caster,camber and toe in.
Positive camber is how far the top of the tire is away from the chassis.
Negative camber is the opposite.
Caster is the amount the vertical axis is from zero.
It is always positive.Life a bicycle with handle bars behind the top of the wheel.
Toe in is the distance is the front of the tires are from each other.
The manufacturer specifies the degree from zero.
Too much camber +or - will wear the inside or the outside of the tire more.
Caster determines if the car will go straight,or turn with no input.
Toe in prevents the tire from scuffing during operation.
Feel the tire and see if it is wearing evenly.
2007-02-25 07:31:18 · answer #3 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Explaining it all is too detailed for this forum. If you want to get full life out of your tires you need to be sure your wheels are properly aligned and balanced and tires properly inflated. The best overall policy is to buy your tires from a full service tire dealer. Have them tell you whether or not your car is aligned and balanced. A good dealer will not charge you unnecessarily because he wants repeat business. Once you have taken their advice, if your tires wear badly, you can tell them you expect them to correct the problems, you were only following their advice. Many places want you to bring your car in for regular tire rotations and checking. If they don't say so, ask them, "will you look at my tires for free when I stop by?" This keeps it their responsibility to tell you if your car is in good shape or not. Let competent technicians educate you as you go. Ask probing questions. Develop a relationship with the people there. You may pay more in the long run or save in the long run, that is hard to say. But, badly aligned tires can wear out so fast it will make you cry. Taking good care of your car means you get the most for your dollars or pounds or whatever..
2007-02-25 07:13:37 · answer #4 · answered by whiterook 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you let go of the wheel the car should go straight.
A car doesn't get out of alignment easy most of the time it gets out because of an accident or maybe a tire hitting a curb or chuck hole hard.
Most of the time if a car is not going straight when you let go of the wheel (If you haven't been in a accident) It's because of the tires-- uneven ware or out of balance.
2007-02-25 07:13:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
wheel alignment is aligning the wheels so they all basicly line up and not offset from each other ..when they are offset the creat friction and undue tire wear wich cause decrease in tire mileage and in some cases if a lot of tire scrubbing will cause your car to pull one way or the other......
2007-02-25 06:53:56 · answer #6 · answered by lost_sole_28 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drive down a straight road and let go of the steering wheel if it pulls to one side it is whacked out of alignment.Also your steering wheel should be riding up and down properly when going straight.Look at your tires if they are balding unevenly it is out.
2007-02-25 07:00:06 · answer #7 · answered by one10soldier 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when your wheels are straight,and your spokes on the steering wheel is off,then you need it alighned.they adjust the camber,caster and also the toe-in.it keeps your car running straight when your driving and the toe-in keeps the tires from wearing on the sides of the tires.
2007-02-25 10:38:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it simpliy means that when your steering wheel hasnt been turned the car goes in a straight line.
Problems occur when its sligtly out, stuff like steering vibtation and wear on the outside or inside of your tyres.. Get it alighned and save cash on tyres ;o)
2007-02-25 06:57:46 · answer #9 · answered by marc p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it means balancing the tires .... in case when you drive over 60 mph and the steering wheel start vibrating ... it needs balancing !
thats what i know
good luck!
2007-02-25 06:51:20 · answer #10 · answered by Stan 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋