When was the last time you checked the alignment of your wheels? Proper wheel alignment is more than just a smooth drive; it’s about safety, fuel efficiency, and the longevity of your tires.
It doesn’t take a big — or even visible — difference for your car to be out of alignment. When misalignment occurs, it often involves an off-measurement of the caster, camber, or toe.
Caster is the angle of the steering axis viewed from the side; camber is the inward/outward tilt of the tire viewed from the front; toe is the inward/outward tilt of the tire viewed from above. Something only needs to be off by a couple of degrees to make a big difference in the way your vehicle handles.
Roads aren’t always perfect; we run over potholes, accidentally hit curbs, and take on whatever the road throws our way. Sudden impacts such as these can lead to alignment problems. However, your vehicle can go out of alignment over time due to wear and tear, leading to the cracking or loosening of parts.
There are several telltale signs your vehicle needs a wheel alignment. Some symptoms to watch out for include:
Wheel alignments are essential because:
To enjoy all of the benefits of a wheel alignment, schedule an appointment at First Tire & Automotive now.
Why Wheel Alignment Matters
Your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems work in harmony to keep your ride smooth and your tires wearing evenly. If your wheels are misaligned, even just a little, it can throw off that balance. This can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even reduced gas mileage.
Tire Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment
It’s essential to differentiate between tire balancing and wheel alignment. While both are crucial for a smooth ride, they serve different purposes. Tire balancing corrects weight imbalances in your tire-wheel sets. On the other hand, wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your vehicle’s wheels to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Steering Adjustment: Feel the Difference
Have you ever felt your car pulling to one side or the steering wheel vibrating? This could be a sign of alignment issues. At First Tire & Automotive, our experts ensure your steering adjustment is spot on, so you’re always in control.
Steering Angle Sensor Calibration: A Crucial Step
Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), one of which relies on the steering angle sensor. This sensor detects the direction in which you’re turning the steering wheel. Proper calibration of this sensor is pivotal, especially after a wheel alignment service.
The steering angle sensor provides data to various vehicle systems like the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control system. If it’s out of calibration, these systems may not function optimally. After an alignment, if the steering angle sensor isn’t calibrated correctly, it might think the vehicle is drifting or sliding, which could activate these systems unnecessarily or inappropriately.
After getting a wheel alignment, it’s recommended to have the steering angle sensor calibrated to ensure that all parts of your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems are working in perfect harmony. This ensures that you not only have a smooth and safe ride but also that your vehicle’s advanced safety features function as intended.
Why Choose First Tire & Automotive?
Apart from our expertise in wheel alignment and tire wear & safety, we stand behind our work. Every wheel alignment service with us comes with a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty. That’s our commitment to quality and your peace of mind.
Visit Us in Katy and Sugar Land
Whether you’ve noticed signs of misalignment or just want a routine check, our team in Katy and Sugar Land is here to help. Drive in for professional service that puts you and your vehicle first.
Stay safe, drive smoothly, and always count on First Tire & Automotive for your wheel alignment needs.
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