What is a Wheel Alignment & Why is it Important? Know The Procedure of Wheel Alignment

A car is more than just a machine that lets you travel long or short distances. It is a valuable asset for all car owners, so keeping it in pristine condition is crucial. How can you keep your car in good shape if you do not know the basics about brake systems, batteries, Tyre health, and wheel alignment?

All of these things are crucial, but today, we are covering our basis on one of these things responsible for ensuring that your journey stays on track.

Wheel alignment is a critical component of vehicle maintenance, ensuring that your car operates efficiently and safely. This guide thoroughly explains what is wheel alignment, what is the importance of wheel alignment, and what is the procedure of wheel alignment, and more.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is the process of modifying the wheel angles to the manufacturer’s specifications. This procedure guarantees that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. A properly aligned Tyre enhances maneuverability, security, and durability.

What Are The Components of Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment involves three primary components:

Camber

Camber is the angular position of the wheels relative to vertical when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. It influences Tyre wear and vehicle handling. Positive camber angles tilt the top of the wheel outward, while negative camber angles tilt it inward. Proper camber adjustment ensures even Tyre wear and optimal grip during cornering. Wheel alignment includes camber adjustment to maintain vehicle stability and handling.

Toe

Toe alignment refers to the direction of the Tyre point when viewed from above. Toe-in means the Tyres point inward, while toe-out means they point outward. Incorrect toe settings can lead to rapid Tyre wear and affect vehicle handling.

Caster

Caster is the angular position of the steering axis relative to vertical. It affects steering stability and how quickly the wheels return to center after a turn. Positive caster enhances stability and self-centering, while negative caster may reduce steering effort but can compromise stability. Wheel alignment adjusts caster for optimal steering response and Tyre wear.

Benefits of Wheel Alignment

Correct wheel alignment angles refer to the precise adjustments made to a vehicle’s suspension system to ensure that the wheels are set to the optimal position as specified by the manufacturer. 

Achieving the correct alignment of all the angles, including Camber, Toe, and Caster, is crucial because it offers numerous benefits such as: 

1. Improved Fuel Efficiency

Proper wheel alignment makes certain that all four Tyres of your vehicle are working in unison, minimizing rolling resistance. Misaligned wheels cause the engine to work harder, thus consuming more fuel. By reducing this extra drag, aligned wheels help maximize fuel efficiency. This helps car owners save money on fuel and reduce the vehicle’s environmental impact.​

2. Enhanced Vehicle Stability and Safety

When your wheels are correctly aligned, your car maintains better stability, especially at higher speeds. Misaligned wheels on a car can prompt the vehicle to pull to one side, making it difficult to control and increasing the risk of accidents. Proper vehicle Tyre alignment ensures that your car handles predictably and safely, improving overall road safety for you and others​

3. Prolonged Tyre Lifespan

Wheel alignment significantly extends the life of a vehicle’s Tyres. On the other hand, misaligned wheels lead to uneven Tyre wear, which means you’ll need to replace your Tyres more frequently. Proper alignment ensures even wear and tear for wheels, allowing your Tyres to last longer and saving you money on replacements​​.

4. Reduced Unnecessary Auto Repairs

Driving with misaligned wheels can cause various components, such as the suspension and steering systems, to wear unevenly and prematurely. This can lead to frequent and costly repairs. Proper alignment distributes the wear evenly across all parts, reducing the need for unexpected and expensive auto repairs​​.

5. Smoother Driving Experience

Correct wheel alignment ensures your vehicle drives straight and correctly without pulling to one side. This makes for a smoother, more comfortable driving experience. Constantly correcting the steering due to misalignment can be tiring and distracting, which is mitigated with proper alignment​​.

6. Safer Braking Distances

Aligned wheels ensure that the Tyres make maximum contact with the road, which is crucial for effective braking. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven braking, increasing the stopping distance and posing a safety hazard. Proper alignment helps maintain optimal braking performance, enhancing safety during sudden stops, especially in wet conditions​​.

7. Environmental Benefits

Properly aligned wheels reduce environmental waste by improving fuel efficiency and extending Tyre life. Less frequent Tyre replacements mean fewer Tyres end up in landfills, and better fuel efficiency ultimately results in lower emissions. This, in turn, contributes to a greener environment​.

What are The Signs of an Out-Of-Alignment Wheel?

Identifying the signs of incorrect wheel alignment early can save you from costly repairs. Such an action also ensures your vehicle operates safely. Here are the comprehensive signs that indicate your car may need a wheel alignment:

1. Vehicle Pulls to One Side

If your car pulling to the right or the left when you are driving on a straight, flat road? This is a clear indication that your wheels may not be aligned properly, causing the vehicle to drift in one direction​.

2. Uneven or Rapid Tyre Wear

Misalignment often causes uneven wear and tear for the Tyres. You might notice that one side of the Tyre tread is more worn than the other. This uneven wear pattern indicates that the Tyres are not making even contact with the road, which can reduce their lifespan.

3. Off-Centered Steering Wheel 

Is your steering wheel not centered when you are driving straight? This is a clear indication of a wheel alignment issue. The steering wheel should be straight and aligned with the vehicle’s direction of travel.

4. Steering Wheel Vibration

A vibrating steering wheel while driving at certain speeds can indicate misalignment. This vibration occurs because the wheels pull against each other rather than rolling smoothly.

5. Squealing Tyres

Misaligned wheels can cause Tyres to squeal, especially when turning or accelerating. This noise is due to the increased friction and stress on the Tyres when not aligned properly.

6. Increased Fuel Consumption

Misaligned wheels can increase rolling resistance. It can cause the vehicle’s engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Hence, if you notice a sudden drop in fuel efficiency, it could be due to misalignment.

7. Uneven Braking

If your car pulls to one side when braking, it can be a sign of misalignment. This uneven braking can also lead to longer stopping distances, which poses a safety risk.

8. Handling Issues

Difficulty in handling the car, especially when making turns, can indicate alignment problems. The vehicle may feel unstable or loose, making it harder to control.

9. Tyre Damage Patterns

Certain types of Tyre damage can point to alignment issues. 

• For example, feathering, where the tread ribs are worn lower on one side and higher on the other.
• Scalloping or cupping where high and low points develop around the edge of the tread.

Both of these are often caused by poor alignment.

10. Noisy Steering

• A whining or grinding noise from the steering wheel when turning can also be a sign of alignment issues.
• It indicates increased stress on the steering components due to improper wheel angles.

Regularly checking your vehicle for these signs can help you maintain proper wheel alignment, ensuring better vehicle performance and safety. If you experience any of these symptoms, consider having your alignment checked by a professional technician as soon as possible.

What is the Procedure for Wheel Alignment?

The wheel alignment process involves several steps to ensure the vehicle’s wheels are set to the correct angles.

Initial Inspection

Technicians inspect the Tyres and suspension components for wear and damage. This step is crucial as damaged parts can affect alignment.

Adjustment Process

Technicians use specialized alignment machine tools to adjust the camber, toe, and caster angles to the manufacturer’s specifications. The machine uses laser or high-definition sensors to ensure precision.

Final Measurements

After adjustments, the technician performs final measurements to confirm that all wheels are correctly aligned. These measurements are compared to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure accuracy.

What is the Cost of Wheel Alignment?

The cost of wheel alignment varies a lot based on several factors, including: 

• Type of Alignment: Different types of wheel alignment services are available, including two-wheel alignment (front or rear), four-wheel alignment (front and rear), and thrust angle alignment (adjusting all four wheels to ensure they are parallel to each other). The type of alignment needed will affect the overall cost.
• Service Provider: The cost of wheel alignment can vary between different service centers, workshops, and garages. Larger, more established service centers may charge higher prices compared to smaller, independent workshops.
• Location: The cost of living and operating expenses in your city can vary significantly across different cities and regions in India. As a result, the cost of wheel alignment may be higher in metropolitan areas compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas.
• Additional Services: Some service centers may offer package deals that include wheel alignment along with other maintenance services such as Tyre balancing, rotation, and inspection of suspension components. Opting for additional services can impact the overall cost.
• Quality of Equipment and Expertise: Service centers equipped with advanced alignment machines and experienced technicians may charge higher prices for their services. However, investing in quality equipment and skilled labor often results in more accurate alignment and better overall value.

Based on these factors, the cost of wheel alignment in India typically ranges from ₹500 to ₹2500 or more. This price range covers basic alignment services for passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks. However, the cost of wheel alignment may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

It’s important to note that regular wheel alignment is essential for maintaining vehicle safety, prolonging Tyre life, and ensuring optimal fuel efficiency. While the cost of alignment may seem like an additional expense, it can help cut down on more costly repairs in the long run by reducing Tyre wear, improving vehicle handling, and minimizing the risk of accidents.

Before scheduling a wheel alignment service, it’s advisable to inquire about the specific services included, pricing details, and any discounts or promotions the service center offers. Additionally, choosing a reputable service provider can help ensure a satisfactory experience and reliable results.

How Often Should Wheel Alignments Be Done?

It is recommended to get your vehicle’s wheel alignment checked every 10,000 km or once a year. Additional checks are advised after significant impacts, such as hitting potholes or curbs or replacing Tyres or suspension components.

Difference Between Wheel Alignment and Tyre Balancing

While both wheel alignment and Tyre balancing are essential for vehicle performance, they address different issues:

• Wheel Alignment: This basically focuses on adjusting the angles of the wheels. Its aim is to ensure they are parallel and perpendicular to the road.
• Tyre Balancing: This involves evenly distributing the Tyre’s weight to ensure smooth rotation and prevent vibrations.

Conclusion

Wheel alignment is a critical vehicle maintenance task that ensures safe and efficient operation. Regular alignment checks, recognizing signs of misalignment, and understanding the components and procedures involved can help maintain optimal vehicle performance. Proper alignment also drastically extends the life of your Tyres and improves fuel efficiency.

Was this article able to answer everything from what is wheel alignment, what is the importance of wheel alignment, and what is the procedure of wheel alignment? If so, then check out other informative articles on our website that offers comprehensive information to car owners like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?
Ans: Typically, a wheel alignment service takes about an hour. The duration can extend if there is damage or wear in the suspension system requiring additional repairs.

Q2.Is Wheel Alignment the Same as Tracking?
Ans: Yes, wheel alignment and tracking refer to the same process. Modern alignment services involve adjusting all four wheels using advanced technology, while traditional tracking focused on the front wheels.

Q3.How Does Laser Wheel Alignment Work?
Ans: Laser wheel alignment uses precision lasers to measure the wheels’ angles and settings. This technology ensures high accuracy in aligning the wheels to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Q4.Do Front-Wheel-Drive Cars Need Four-Wheel Alignment?
Ans: Yes, even front-wheel-drive cars benefit from four-wheel alignment to ensure all wheels are correctly aligned, enhancing overall vehicle performance and Tyre longevity.

Q5.Can You Do Wheel Alignment Easily on Your Own?
Ans: While you can easily check for signs of misalignment, it is recommended to have a professional technician perform the alignment using specialized equipment.

Q6.Can Wheel Alignment Affect Steering?
Ans: Yes, improper alignment can cause the vehicle to pull to one side and affect steering accuracy, making it difficult to maintain a straight line.

Q7.Do You Need a Wheel Alignment After Replacing Tyres?
Ans: Yes, it is advisable to perform a wheel alignment after replacing Tyres to ensure they are positioned optimally for safety and performance.