Ever wondered what wheel alignment is? Well, in this article, we are going to delve into this question and settle the matter once and for all.
For example, you may find it hard to make bends and turns or the wheels of the car start to pull to one side. Sometimes you don’t even know why it’s happening until you get to the mechanic.
Since we don’t want things to worsen, it’s best to deal with the problem early.
This is why regular wheel alignment procedures are necessary. In addition, we recommend an alignment at least once every two years, or sooner if the car suffers a sudden impact or accident. When doing this, your mechanic might use one of CORGHI’s wheel aligners – the best machines in the business.
CORGHI manufactures, supports and maintains a world-class suite of wheel alignment machines and equipment. From the entry-level Exact 7 model to the best-selling Exact Linear 3D, there is a quality solution to meet the requirements of all mechanic workshops.
To help you understand wheel alignment better, we’ve broken down what it is and if it is necessary.
My Mechanic Says I Need a Wheel Alignment – What Even Is It?
Wheel alignment is necessary for checking and adjusting a vehicle’s suspension to determine if it has deviated from the manufacturer’s original specifications.
This is because the suspension system connects the vehicle and its wheels, as such, if the suspension falls out of line, the car itself will be leaning to one side. This causes steering difficulty and premature wear on the tyre or tyres it is leaning on. The suspension gets adjusted when undertaking a wheel alignment, not the tyres themselves.
The Angles of Wheels
The wheels of vehicles align at three different angles:
Camber
Camber describes the inward and outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front. When they tilt inward, it’s called negative camber, and when they tilt outwards, it’s called positive camber.
Caster
Caster is the angle of the pivot points of the tyre, as viewed from the side. You have positive, negative, or neutral caster.
Toe
Toe refers to a vehicle’s tyres’ inward and outward tilt when viewed from above. When they face in, it’s called ‘toe in’ and when they face out, it’s called ‘toe out’.
When undertaking a wheel alignment, all of these factors will be considered. There are pros and cons to modest adjustments in each angle, although it’s generally not recommended to deviate from the manufacturer’s specifications. Still, excessive movement at any angle will accelerate tyre wear and potentially lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Is Wheel Alignment Necessary?
Yes, it is necessary.
Ignoring alignment issues has resulted in accidents, expensive maintenance costs, excessive fuel use, and more. So it’s crucial to get your wheels examined and checked regularly, especially when you notice uneven wear on your tyres.
On the other hand, regular wheel alignment saves you money in the long run as your tyres’ tread will be preserved longer.
Check your vehicle for any uneven wear and tear, as this might indicate that one or more of your wheels is out of alignment.
What Causes Bad Wheel Alignment?
Sudden impact with an object or the road can also cause bad wheel alignment, such as bumps, curbs, potholes, or if the car is in an accident. Of course, the wear and tear of suspension and shock parts can also be a cause.
Due to the diverse nature of its causes, it’s vital to get your wheels aligned regularly.
How Is Wheel Alignment Done?
A car technician performs wheel alignments, and depending on the location or mechanic, a quotation usually costs between $50 – $200 in Australia.
With state-of-the-art computing technology and the best machines, the technician should be able to compare values, see the deviation and decide on the best course of action. This can be whether to simply correct the deviating angle or recommend a total replacement of components.
The efficiency and pace at which this process goes are based on the wheel alignment machines themselves.
The best wheel aligners on the market come from CORGHI – so be sure to ask your mechanic whether he uses CORGHI equipment today.
Do I need a Two Or Four Wheel Alignment?
A two-wheel alignment is also called a front end alignment. This type of alignment is best suited for cars with a solid rear axle, such as large SUVs or trucks. Here, only the two front wheels are adjusted. However, it still involves a caster, camber, and toe assessment and adjustment.
With a two-wheel alignment, a thrust alignment may also be done. If you have been in an accident or put your car’s suspension in danger, a thrust alignment should be performed. The thrust alignment keeps the wheels of the vehicle squared towards each other.
For a four-wheel alignment, all four wheels of the vehicle are assessed and adjusted accordingly. Most cars recommend four-wheel alignments, especially as most modern vehicles are four-wheel alignable.
Make Sure Your Mechanic Only Uses the Best
At CORGHI, we produce and sell top-quality wheel alignment machines.
We’ve got all your needs covered, from clampless wheel aligners to wheel aligners with camera technology.
Our wheel alignment machines are suitable for any workshop size, from small scale technicians to dealers and dealer groups.
Our CORGHI wheel aligners are built with top-notch engineering and the highest quality standards. This enables us to provide the utmost alignment accuracy and reliability for vehicle manufacturers and end road users.
So, if you’re looking for quality wheel aligners, balancers, and other automobile equipment for your workshop, browse our products today.
