When was the last time you booked a wheel alignment on the Sunshine Coast? I bet you can’t remember – and you’re not alone. It’s just not something we think about in our busy lives. We assume a wheel alignment will be done when we get new tyres, so we simply rely on that.
However, if you realised the impact correct wheel alignment can have on your vehicle’s safety, efficiency and economy, you’d probably book your car in for a check regularly.
At the very least misaligned wheels will increase the risk of tyre damage; at worst, it could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and be seriously injured or even killed. It’s a sobering thought, right?
If you don’t have your wheel alignment regularly checked, there are a few clues as to when it needs doing. They include uneven tread wear and the vehicle pulling to the side when you’re driving. You may also find that the steering wheel is off-centre when you’re driving in a straight line.
Wheel Repairs Sunshine Coast
If you notice these symptoms but do nothing about them, you could find yourself facing some expensive wheel repairs on the Sunshine Coast. Taking action quickly and regularly will prolong the life of your tyres and wheels.
It is surprisingly easy to put your wheels out of alignment. All it takes is a bit of a bump. Perhaps you’ve clipped the kerb or driven through a pothole too fast. You should always have wheel alignment checked if you’ve been in a car accident, however minor.
When your wheels are misaligned, it puts your vehicle off-centre, making it more difficult to steer. You might also feel vibrations through your steering wheel and the car will be more difficult to drive. Misalignment can also be very damaging to your vehicle’s suspension. You definitely want to avoid that, as repairing or replacing suspension components can be costly.
Wheel Alignment Sunshine Coast
Failing to put your car through a regular wheel alignment on the Sunshine Coast can also damage your car’s braking system. This will not only compromise safety but again, could lead to expensive repairs.
You’ll definitely notice your vehicle using more fuel, too.
A wheel alignment is relatively simple, but it does need to be done by a professional, using the right equipment. It’s all to do with the angle of your wheels compared to each other and the car body. To realign your wheels changes must be made to the vehicle’s suspension.
Even if you’re the perfect driver and never hit the kerb, you will need a wheel alignment at some point. And the more you use your vehicle, the more often you’ll need a check. It’s all to do with wear and tear.
You’ll probably find the front wheels are more prone to misalignment. It will also need to be done more frequently on sports models and vehicles with wider tyres.
Getting Your Wheels Checked
Some workshops will tell you to get it checked every couple of years; others will say every 10,000 km – it all really depends on the type of vehicle, the age of the vehicle, how much you use the vehicle, your driving style and more. It’s best to seek the advice of a professional.
With newer vehicles and European cars, correct wheel alignment is so important. These vehicles are precision-built and if anything is even slightly off, it will affect the performance.
The way the realignment is done varies according to the suspension style of the vehicle. For example, a different method would be used for a 4WD compared to a wishbone suspension.
Let’s say you took your Mercedes-Benz in for a wheel alignment on the Sunshine Coast. You would be wise to choose a workshop that specialising in European cars, as a master technician needs to adjust the camber, caster and toe, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Master Technician
If you drive a Porsche, your vehicle may require the precise adjustment of 10 separate steering and suspension settings to meet specifications. That’s why you need to use a master technician.
Whilst driving with misaligned wheels is not considered an infringement, it could affect your insurance if it resulted in an accident. It’s just not worth the risk. You’re also lining yourself up for more expensive repairs in the future.
It’s well worth acquainting yourself with the different types of tyre wear, too, as this is an indication of what’s wrong with your vehicle. Here are some common examples:
Excessive wear on the inner or outer edge of the tyre: This is sometimes referred to as ‘toe wear’ or ‘camber wear’. It is usually caused by wheel misalignment.
Centre wear: Not one you’d expect, but usually caused by overinflating your tyres.
Outer edge wears faster than the centre: This is usually due to underinflation.
Cupping wear: This refers to diagonal marking across the tyre and is an indication of a serious problem. It generally occurs when the suspension is bent, worn or damaged in some way. Have it checked out immediately.