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What is Wheel Alignment in Car? Importance Explained

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Your car is a system of interconnected parts. If one part turns out not to be working all right, it will be just a matter of time before the problem starts appearing in other parts of the car too. One such important part is the wheels. They are the limbs of the car. Things can quickly get out of hand in case of incorrect wheel alignment. The alignment of the wheels becomes an important factor when it comes to tyre health and affects your suspension. Hence, to ensure passenger safety and reduce the cost of car maintenance, your car must be in optimum working condition. Regular servicing also ensures that the premiums you pay for your Comprehensive car insurance are also low.

What is Wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to the act of adjusting the wheels in a proper alignment so that they run on the road smoothly. The adjustment is made in the vehicle’s suspension- the system that connects the vehicle to its wheels.

Proper alignment plays an important role in the dynamics of the vehicle in motion. Alignment makes sure that the geometry of the Camber, Toe, and Caster are in proper angles with each other. Improper alignment will cause irregular wear and tear on the tyres and can also be felt at the steering wheel.

If your vehicle took a hit recently, or you noticed abnormal wear on your tyre, or you are facing issues in handling the steering wheel or you have changed the steering wheel, make sure to get your wheel alignment checked.

Importance of Wheel alignment

Here is why wheel alignment in car is a critical part of vehicle maintenance and affects your driving, safety, and wallet.

1. Improved Fuel Economy

Do you know that misaligned wheels make your car's engine work harder? It increases rolling resistance, meaning that your car is burning more fuel to keep moving. A simple adjustment in the alignment can give you the most efficient fuel economy and decrease your carbon footprint. And with prices of fuel rising and falling each day, you would want every little saving you can get, right?

2. Improved Handling and Driving Experience

Misaligned wheels might make your car pull to one side or cause vibrations on the steering wheel. Over time, this can easily make driving feel tiring or even hazardous. Proper wheel alignment in car removes these problems and leaves you with a smoother, more comfortable ride, decreasing driver fatigue.

3. Increased Tyre Lifespan and Performance

Unaligned wheels force you to change tyres more often, as the wheels wear your tyres unevenly. Proper alignment in a car means that your tyres will contact the road evenly and maximise performance as well as their lifespan. Not only is it safer but it will also save you money in the long run.

4. Preventative Maintenance Saves Cost in the Long Run

You must consider that small investment of getting a wheel alignment check-up, because early on it detects what problems lie ahead, hence fewer possibilities for heavy and pricey fixes in the long run. In addition, when already exploring and comparing your Car Insurance Online and checking the differences in your Comprehensive car insurance, remember maintaining a proper car could cost you lesser premiums.

5. Protected Suspension System

Suspension on your car contributes a lot to keeping stability and comfort in motion. If wheels are not in alignment, this may result in uneven stress distribution to shocks and struts that lead to their fast wearing. Regular alignment checks ensure these components last longer, sparing you the headache and expense of major repairs.

6. Better Road Safety

Safety always comes first. Aligned wheels ensure your vehicle can be accurately controlled, especially in bad weather conditions or sudden turns. Proper alignment will ensure your car is stable and responsive enough to minimise the risk of accidents. Be safe in taking that morning commute to work or on a long road trip knowing that your car is in its optimal form.

7. Higher Resale Value

The car's maintenance history, including the frequency of wheel alignment, reflects a buyer's ability to maintain and care for a vehicle. In addition to looking nice, the main purpose of a well-kept vehicle is performance and safety. It can get a higher price and even sell faster if maintained well.

Types of Wheel alignment

When it comes to the types of wheel alignment in car understanding them can help you make the right choice for your vehicle. Let me break it down for you:

1. Front-end alignment

This is the most widely applied type of wheel alignment, also known as "two-wheel alignment." It works by straightening the front wheels so that they are in line with the road. Most often, it works better on vehicles with a solid rear axle. If your vehicle pulls towards one side or if you have uneven tyre wear in the front, this could be just the thing your car needs.

2. Thrust-Angle Alignment

This ensures the thrust angle of the rear wheels is aligned with the centerline of the car. It adjusts the front and rear wheels to ensure that performance is optimal. It is very important for cars where the rear axle is not perfectly square to the frame.

3. Four-Wheel Alignment

It is recommended for cars fitted with independent rear suspension. This four-wheel alignment checks and aligns all four wheels ensuring that the pairs of front and rear wheels are aligned to the car's centreline. It’s a comprehensive approach that improves stability, tyre lifespan, and overall handling – something you’d want for a smoother and safer drive.

Types of Alignment Angles

Understanding your car's alignment angles is the key to a smooth ride and proper tyre health. Here are the three primary alignment angles you should be aware of regarding the wheel alignment in car.

1. Toe alignment

Think of this as the direction your tyres point when viewed from overhead. If the front edges of the tyres angle toward each other, it's called "toe-in," and if they angle away, it's called "toe-out." Balanced toe alignment ensures that your tyres stay parallel with one another, making for even tread wear and a good, stable ride on the road. If your toe is out-of-whack, it may make the car feel less stable at higher speeds.

2. Caster Alignment

This is the tilt of the steering axis as seen from the side. "Positive caster" means that it leans into the driver, while "negative caster" is an angle where the steering axis is leaning forward. Proper alignment in the caster increases stability, improves response to the steering, and ensures that your car will stay straight.

3. Camber Alignment

Camber refers to the angle at which your tyres are tilted when seen from the front. If the tire is leaning out at the top, it is called positive camber; and if it's leaning in on you, it is called negative camber. The ideal position is usually a slight negative camber as this improves tyre wear evenly and maximises handling. A misaligned camber might lead to premature wear on one side of your tyre.

Signs of Misaligned Wheels

Detecting misaligned wheels early will help you save time, money, and unneeded stress. Let me show you some of the common symptoms that may signal that your car wheel alignment is improper:

1. The odd tread pattern on your tyres indicates the wheel is not properly aligned.

2. If the wear on your tyres is not even, that is an indication that your wheels are not aligned correctly.

3. Squealing during turning or acceleration could be an indicator of misaligned wheels.

4. If your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight, then that is an obvious sign of misalignment.

5. Misaligned wheels can also cause vibrations while driving, which can be quite uncomfortable and unsafe.

6. A car should drive straight if aligned properly. If your vehicle drifts left or right, it is time to have the alignment checked out.

Getting a Car Wheel alignment: When, Where and Cost

Getting a car's wheel alignment is one of the most important routine maintenance procedures you can perform for your vehicle so that it continues to run safely, efficiently, and smoothly. Here is the when, where, and cost of it:

1. When:

According to experts, check your wheel alignment every two or three years, or every 6,000 miles, if recommended by the manual of your car. Do it sooner when you notice a sign of being misaligned - uneven tyre wear, a steering wheel that looks crooked or pulls to one side. Better still, go for an alignment after hitting a pothole or kerb.

2. Where:

Always leave your car to a certified mechanic with good-quality alignment gear. Most tyre shops and automotive repair service stations can offer excellent wheel alignment. Select a company that has an excellent reputation, experienced personnel, and can work with your vehicle with utmost care.

3. Cost:

The cost will vary according to your car's make and model, as well as the type of alignment required. It can cost between Rs. 150 and Rs. 300 for a wheel. It is better to check with the service centre beforehand regarding the charges.

Proper alignment will save you from expensive repairs and may even influence your premiums when you buy car insurance online or comprehensive car insurance.

Why should you get your wheels aligned, balanced and rotated regularly?

Wheels are an important part of your vehicle connecting the rest of the roads as you drive on and ensuring a smooth drive. That is one of the crucial reasons why you should pay attention to the condition of tyres and make sure that they are always giving their best performance.

If the wheels are not aligned, balanced, and rotated regularly, it can lead to excessive wear of the tyres and require an expensive repair service. You can easily avoid that high expense with regular maintenance and keep the premiums low on your Comprehensive car insurance.

How good wheel-health can affect the Car Insurance Premium?

Most car insurance plans do not cover wheel balancing, alignment and rotation. However, you may have the option of purchasing a Tyre Cover Add-On. Comprehensive car insurance provides you with cover from any risk. And when you make modifications it might either increase the risk or secure the car. Depending on that, the car insurance premium might increase or decrease. For example, if you upgrade your wheels with broad wheels or alloy wheels, it might increase the chance of theft due to which the insurance premium goes up.

Nevertheless, tyre rotation, wheel alignment, and balancing keep your tires in good health. Good wheel health can not only keep your car in a good condition but also increase insurance coverage. Regular maintenance of the wheels will ensure that the premium that you are paying is lower owing to the good condition of the wheels.

Conclusion

Motor experts believe that the recent trends of lightweight suspension systems and lower profile tyres have made wheel alignment and balancing more prone to an imbalance in comparison to the older heavier cars. Improper wheel balancing and alignment will negatively impact the performance of your car.

Besides being a safety hazard, it will also affect the tyre tread and stability and markedly reduce the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, which would heavily impact the overall performance of the car.

Vibrating steering wheel, uneven tyre wear, or pull are all signs of improper wheel alignment. Your car might become a risk factor on the road. If you notice any of these factors, visit your nearest motor repair garage and get your vehicle checked. Accident or damage caused to the car due to negligence is mostly excluded from the coverage of Comprehensive car insurance. Keep performing a safety check from time to time to ensure that your car is as safe to drive as you think.

FAQ

1. Can the wheel be aligned when bringing my car in for servicing?

Of course! Most garages align the wheels as part of their routine servicing. Do not forget to request this when bringing your car into the garage next time.

2. How much does wheel alignment cost?

The cost of wheel alignment depends on the vehicle, but it is a relatively inexpensive service when compared to the costs of uneven tyre wear or suspension damage.

3. Can misaligned wheels impact car insurance?

While bad maintenance might not directly affect your Comprehensive car insurance, accidents may result in future premium influence. Proper maintenance retains safety and value for the vehicle.

4. Can I still drive with misaligned wheels?

It is not recommended. Misalignment can cause bad handling, uneven wear on the tyres, and fuel consumption, making your car hard to handle in adverse conditions.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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