Wheel Alignments
When your tire alignment is off, it can cause a roadblock in terms of safe driving. Tire alignment, also known as wheel alignment, is an important aspect of keeping your car in top condition. Misalignment can damage your tires, causing them to wear out before they’re supposed to. It can also cause the steering wheel to be off center or cause the vehicle to pull.
Tire alignment involves adjusting your car’s steering and suspension system, which connects the car to the wheels. It does not refer to adjusting the tires or wheels. Alignment helps keep your vehicle driving straight down the road and prevents your car from veering from one side to the other.
Camber refers to the inward and outward tilt of each wheel, caster is the angle produced by the steering system’s pivot point from the front to the back of your car, and toe is the inward or outward angle of the wheels. Aside from inspecting the camber, caster and toe angles, an alignment technician will check the front and rear steering, suspension system, and tire condition and air pressure. A professional alignment service can help ensure all four wheels of your car are heading the same direction.
At Future Tire and Automotive, we also perform Safety System Alignment services for many newer vehicles. Our ASE certified techs will assess the Lane Departure, Active Steering, Adaptive Cruise Control and other related systems, then recalibrate the ones that need service.
Steering and Suspension Service
Steering and suspension are responsible for keeping your wheels firmly intact with the ground, and are a major player in keeping your car from veering to one side of the road. These systems are also largely responsible for creating a smooth and stable ride for you and your passengers. If your vehicle’s steering and suspension isn’t working properly, you’re in for a bumpy ride – literally. At the first sign of trouble, bring your car in for steering and suspension services.
What's the Difference Between Wheel Alignment and Balancing?
Although wheel alignment and balancing are frequently done at the same time, they’re not the same thing. A wheel alignment adjusts the steering and suspension, while wheel balancing fixes uneven distribution of weight in the tires and wheels.
Symptoms of a faltering steering and suspension
Noise when driving over bumps
Vehicle bouncing
Difficult turning
Uneven tire wear
"Loose" steering
Steering that pulls to one side