When you were driving, have you ever felt your car pulling to one side? You may feel uncomfortable or panic while driving when this happens. If you notice this happening frequently, it is a sign that your car needs the wheel alignment checked and adjusted. The importance of wheel alignment is undeniable, as it affects the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. If you are uncertain about this topic, scroll through the entire article to enhance your knowledge about car wheel alignment to ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
What is Car Alignment?
Car wheel alignment refers to the process of adjusting your vehicle’s suspension system to ensure that the angle between the suspension and wheels is in the right position. The main purpose of proper wheel alignment is to ensure that tyres make optimal contact with the road and that the vehicle travels in a straight line. Car alignment service requires someone with expertise, since it requires specialised tools and equipment for precise measurements. Some tools that are commonly used include a wheel alignment machine (which consists of sensors, a camera and software to provide accurate readings), an alignment lift, turn plates and alignment shims. On the other hand, balancing is always mistaken to be the same as alignment, but wheel balancing is a process of ensuring that the weight between your tyres is evenly distributed.
The Different Types of Car Alignment
Car alignment is a precise process that is more than just trial and error. A skilled mechanic will take into account the specific requirements and determine the appropriate type of alignment for your vehicle. There are three main wheel alignment services, the front-end alignment, the thrust alignment, and the four-wheel alignment.
Front-End Alignment
Front-end alignment is also known as two-wheel alignment. This is the most basic type of alignment that focuses on aligning the front wheels only. It’s also recommended for vehicles with a solid rear axle or those with adjustable rear suspension.
Thrust Alignment
The thrust alignment combines front-end and thrust alignment. This involves aligning the front wheels and the real axle’s thrust line. Thrust line is an imaginary line that runs down the centre of the car from rear axle to front wheels. This type of alignment is ideal for vehicles that have a non-adjustable suspension.
Four-Wheel Alignment
Four-wheel alignment, as the name implies, aligns all front and rear wheels. Since it combines all types of alignment, this is considered a comprehensive wheel alignment service.
Causes of Wheel Misalignment
To determine the root of a problem, it is important to identify the potential causes. In the case of wheel misalignment, there are various factors that can contribute to this issue.
Uneven Roads
Uneven roads and potholes are common causes of wheel misalignment. When a vehicle drives on bumpy or poorly maintained roads, the wheels can become misaligned due to the constant shifting and jolting caused by rough surfaces. Over time, this can cause car suspension systems damage, leading to more serious problems if left unaddressed.
Getting into Accidents
If your car has been involved in an accident, it is better to do a thorough inspection. This severely damages most parts of your vehicle’s components including the suspension system, resulting in wheel misalignment. The impact collision can cause your vehicle suspension system to shift or bend, affecting the angle of the wheels. Even minor collisions can cause enough damage to cause your car’s wheels to become misaligned, so it’s critical to have your suspension system checked after any type of crash.
Low Tyre Pressure
Each type of vehicle has a different tyre pressure level. When your vehicle’s tyres are not inflated properly, it can cause uneven wear and tear. It also gives a huge effect towards car wheel alignment and balancing. That is why, you need to regularly check your tyre pressure and inflate it to the recommended level as specified in your vehicle’s handbook or by a professional mechanic.
Signs You Need A Wheel Alignment And Balancing Service
You may be wondering if there are any early signs to detect if your car wheel is out of alignment or unbalanced. Here are some of the signs for precautionary measures:
Unevenly Worn-Out Tyre
Unevenly worn-out tyres and indicate that your car is out of alignment or a potential problem with the car’s suspension system. Wheel misalignment will cause some areas of the tyre to be more worn than the rest of the area. However, uneven tyre wear can also be caused by other issues, such as low tyre pressure or worn suspension components.
Vehicle Drifting Toward a Particular Side
The most noticeable sign that your wheels are out of alignment is when your car appears to drift or pull to one side when on the move. It will result in an unsteady and potentially dangerous driving experience because you have to handle the car steering to maintain a straight position.
Steering Wheel Vibrates
If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel or it begins to shake when driving, even at low speed, it could be a sign that you must align and/or balance your car wheels. It is possible for your car to vibrate not only on the steering wheel, but also on the seats and floorboard. This lets you determine whether your front or back wheels need to be balanced or aligned. For example, if the steering wheel trembles, it indicates that the front wheel is misaligned. If the seats are trembling, the back wheel needs alignment or balancing.
Camber Falls Out Of Intended Angle
The camber refers to the angle of the wheels relative to the vertical axis when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. Specifically, it is the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel in relation to the bottom of the wheel. For different cars, a specific camber alignment will be designated by the manufacturer for optimal safety. For tyres that have their tops leaning towards the vehicle, it’s known as a negative camber. On the other hand, a positive camber is when the top of the tyre leans away from the vehicle. The camber can go out of alignment after a period of time which can potentially increase the effects of wear and tear on your tyres and contribute to the overall imbalance of your vehicle or uneven tyre wear.
Incorrect Caster Alignment
The caster angle is the angle between the steering axis and the vertical axis when viewed from the side of the car. Depending on the direction of this angle, the caster can be positive or negative. A positive caster angle is when the top of the steering axis is tilted towards the rear of the vehicle, and the bottom of the steering axis is tilted towards the front of the vehicle while also helping to stabilize the car at higher speeds and providing better straight-line stability.
A negative caster angle is when the top of the steering axis is tilted towards the front of the vehicle, and the bottom of the steering axis is tilted towards the rear of the vehicle, providing more responsive steering and better cornering performance, but it can make the car feel less stable at high speeds.
Reasons Why Car Wheel Alignment Is Important
Car wheel alignment is one of the most essential maintenance for your vehicle. Listed below are several reasons why car alignment is crucial:
Safety
It is crucial to have your car’s wheels aligned for safety reasons. Misaligned wheels can make your vehicle harder to handle and more unstable, increasing its risk of accidents. You and your passengers can remain safe while driving if you align your wheels properly so that your vehicle’s suspension and steering are working together properly.
Tyre Performance
You should also align your car’s wheels to improve tyre performance. As mentioned before, when your wheel is out of alignment, it can cause uneven wear on your tyres, reducing their lifespan and affecting their performance. Bad tyre conditions are very dangerous especially during driving on slippery roads.
Fuel Efficiency
A proper wheel alignment can also improve the fuel efficiency of your car. Because misalignment can cause your tyres to drag or pull, increasing resistance and forcing your engine to work harder than it needs to. This can reduce the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and increase your fuel costs over time. Keeping your wheels aligned properly helps reduce this resistance and ensures that your car runs smoothly, which can help you save your money on petrol.
How Much Is Wheel Alignment In Singapore?
The prices of wheel alignment and tyre balancing in Singapore can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of vehicle you have, and the extent of the alignment needed. So, there is no fixed price for car alignment in Singapore. What you can do is to directly go to the workshop and get a quote for the cost of the service from the technician.
Contact a Car Wheel Alignment Specialist Today!
One of the best wheel alignments service provider in Singapore is Arrow Tyres Pte Ltd. The team of experts utilise the highest specification equipment and machines to assess the condition of your car alignment and realign it to its original position accurately. Not only that, our service is known as a one-stop service for all your tyres, wheels and battery needs including changing of new and used tyres, puncture repair, wheel balancing, sports rim change and wheel alignment. You do not need to change tyres at different places and head somewhere else for tyre alignment in Singapore. Contact us today for a quote to start aligning and balancing your car’s wheels for your vehicle’s performance and safety.
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