Having your wheel alignment unimpaired and intact goes hand in hand with drivability. A vehicle is not drivable if the wheel alignment is off. A driver should always be controlling the car, and if the wheel alignment is off, you are driving a car that has the possibility of fighting your control and controlling you altogether. As a driver, there is no way to predict what someone else on the road will do, the only controllable factor is yourself. If your car’s wheel alignment is off, you are adding to uncontrolled factors on the road risking the safety of yourself and any one you are in contact with. Misalignment can result from a variety of daily driving occurrences which are important to recognize.
Misalignment Common Causes
There are several daily common driving experiences that can influence your wheel alignment for the worse including the action of driving alone. The reason for this is that the simple fact that your wheels come into contact with the road can cause jerking and pressure that can deter the alignment. When there are road bumps it only increases the severity alignment can be hindered. Common driving hindrances include:
• Driving quickly over street depressions
• Driving quickly over road rises
• Vehicle to vehicle collisions to any degree
• Colliding with street curbs
Alerts you alignment is slighted
Being in tune with your vehicle audibly and visual awareness can help you stay alert and ahead of safety issues before they progress too far. Some signs to be alert of include:
• Vehicle Meandering
• A Steering Wheel that does not seem straight
• Tire Damage
• Audible Tire Noises Including Squealing
Depending on how your vehicle was hit and the type of vehicle it is, the type of alignment can vary. A certified mechanic will possibly conduct his own type of examinations before ultimately connecting your car to an alignment machine that will further detail and specify whether your car needs a front-end alignment to adjust the front axle, a thrust alignment which will combine a front-end as well as verify all four wheels are balanced and in place, or a four-wheel alignment which is meant for four-wheel and all-wheel drive cars.
Wheel Alignment Procedures
1. When the front axle is adjusted, a front-end wheel alignment was completed.
2. When all wheels are checked and a front-end alignment is conducted, it is a thrust alignment
3. When the rear axle angles are arranged and a front-end and thrust are conducted, it is a four-wheel alignment.
A professional will determine which alignment procedure is necessary for your vehicle. It is important as a driver or owner of an automotive vehicle to be proactive and aware of possible warning signs. Regardless if a warning sign is noticed, routine maintenance should include wheel alignment examination as it is a driving factor that is easily influenced.