When to Check Tyre Alignment – A Comprehensive Guide

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Proper wheel or tyre alignment is crucial for your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Misalignment can lead to uneven wear, poor fuel efficiency, and a less comfortable driving experience. Moreover, it can risk your safety as well. Whether you have SUV tyres or standard ones, it’s essential to monitor alignment regularly. Now, the main concern is how often you should check alignment. Don’t worry! We are here to guide you regarding this.

Understanding Tyre Alignment

Alignment involves adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels so they match the manufacturer’s specifications. Proper alignment ensures that car tyres wear evenly. It’s also important for safe and smooth driving experiences. The following are three main angles that are adjusted during alignment.

Camber Angle

It’s primarily important for vehicles with commercial tyres. Camber angle is the tilt of the tyres when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If their tops tilt outward, it’s called a positive camber. It can improve stability and handling on straight roads. If they tilt inward, it’s a negative camber. It’s beneficial for cornering performance, especially during sharp turns.

Caster Angle

It is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A positive caster angle means the steering axis tilts toward the driver. It helps maintain straight-line stability. On the other hand, a negative caster angle tilts the steering axis away from the driver, which can cause the car to pull to one side. It can make steering difficult and leads to uneven wear.

Toe Angle

You should pay special attention to the angle, especially if your vehicle has off-road tyres.  It measures the inward and outward turn of wheels when viewed from above. If the front of tyres is closer than the rear, it’s called toe-in. It promotes straight-line stability by reducing the risk of wandering. Toe-out is when the front of tyres is farther apart than the rear. It improves cornering responsiveness.

When to Check Tyre Alignment?

Poor alignment can lead to uneven wear and affect fuel efficiency. Whether you have Pirelli, Bridgestone, or other branded tyres, checking alignment after regular intervals is mandatory to ensure your safety. Here’s when you should check it.

  • It’s a general rule that you should check alignment after every 6000 to 10,000 miles.
  • After installing the new tyres, you should check the alignment before driving the vehicle.
  • If you hit a pothole while driving or your vehicle gets a major impact, it’s wise to check alignment.
  • The most obvious sign of misalignment is uneven wear. If you notice it, immediately check the tyre’s alignment.
  • If you observe your vehicle is pulling to one side while driving, consider checking wheel alignment.
  • Any suspension work should be followed by an alignment check to make sure everything is in order.

Signs of Misalignment

The following are some key signs that indicate your wheels aren’t properly aligned.

  1. The steering wheel shakes or vibrates, especially when driving at high speed.
  2. Unusual noises, such as squealing or humming, due to uneven pressure.
  3. Loose or less responsive steering.
  4. Tyres wear out at a quick pace.
  5. More fuel consumption due to increased rolling resistance.
  6. Off-centre steering wheel, when driving on a straight road.

Reasons Behind Misalignment of Wheels

Whether you have Michelin, Goodyear, or other branded tyres, some specific reasons can lead to misalignment. These are:

Potholes: it’s one of the most common reasons behind misalignment. You can hit a pothole, curb, or other road hazards while driving. It can jolt the suspension system, leading to alignment issues.

Accidents or Collisions: You can experience this unexpected event, especially when driving on busy roads. These collisions can disrupt the alignment of your wheels. Even minor accidents can shift alignment settings.

Worn Suspension Components: Alignment and suspension systems are interconnected. Over time, some parts of this system like ball joints, tie rods, and bushings can wear out. It will cause the wheels to become misaligned.

Heavy Loads: Loading heavier weights that load bearing capacity of tyres can put extra strain on your suspension system. It will ultimately result in misalignment.

Improper Maintenance: If you don’t maintain your vehicle, it can lead to misalignment. For instance, driving your vehicle on uneven routes with regular tyres can cause this issue.

Effective Tips for Maintaining Wheel Alignment

Maintaining proper wheel alignment is crucial for vehicle safety and performance. The following are some expert tips that can help you regarding this.

  • Inspect the alignment after regular intervals. It will help you notice any issue at an early stage, mitigating the risk of major problems.
  • Keep an eye on tyre wear patterns to address any issues promptly.
  • Check tyre pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended levels.
  • Avoid hitting potholes, curbs, and other road hazards while driving.

Now you know how often you should check wheel alignment. If you notice any sign of misalignment, immediately fix the issue to avoid further problems and ensure your safety.