All about: The Alignment.

Vehicle alignment is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance. Good alignment helps improve road safety, reduce tire wear, and improve fuel efficiency.

What is vehicle alignment?

Vehicle alignment refers to the position and angle of the wheels in relation to the vehicle body. If the wheels are misaligned, that is, if they do not point in the same direction as the vehicle body, uneven tire wear, unstable driving and increased fuel consumption can occur. Vehicle alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are in a straight line and parallel to each other.

We will find 3 angles that are reviewed in the alignment:

• Convergence/Divergence,
• camber
• Caster

We must know that not all vehicles fit easily or completely. Some even need new parts or pieces to compensate for damage caused by strong blows, potholes or accidents.

Convergence/Divergence

The toe/toe angle indicates the exact direction the tires are pointing. Viewing the vehicle and tires from the top.

Both convergence and divergence adjustments are necessary to achieve proper alignment. The goal is to get the wheels at a right angle to the road and parallel to each other. Proper alignment should also ensure that the wheels are in a straight line with the vehicle body.

camber

This is the angle that the tires show in front or behind the vehicle. The measurement is expressed in degrees, it is negative when the top of the wheel tilts inward and positive when it tilts outward.

Camber is important because it can affect stability, grip, and tire life. Negative camber can improve handling and cornering stability, but it can also cause tires to wear more quickly on the outer tread. Positive camber can improve straight-line stability, but it can also cause tires to wear more quickly on the inner tread.

Caster

Viewed from the side of the vehicle, the Caster indicates the forward or rearward tilt of a vertical line that runs across the top and bottom of the kingpin when viewing the vehicle from the side. It is expressed in degrees and the caster angle is positive when the suspension leans towards the rear of the vehicle and negative when it leans towards the front.

Caster is important because it can affect the stability and steering of the vehicle. A positive caster can improve straight-line stability and responsiveness, but it can also make the vehicle more difficult to maneuver. A negative caster can improve maneuverability, but it can also make the vehicle less stable in a straight line.

How do you know if your vehicle needs an alignment?

There are some common signs that may indicate your vehicle needs an alignment. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take your vehicle to a mechanic's shop to have it checked:

• Uneven tire wear: If you notice uneven tire wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the tire or tread, your vehicle likely needs an alignment.
• Misaligned Steering: If the vehicle's steering is off-center and tilted to one side, it likely needs an alignment.
• Steering Wheel Vibration: If you experience steering wheel vibrations while driving, your vehicle may need an alignment.
• Unstable driving: If you feel your vehicle pulling to one side or having difficulty keeping it straight, you may need an alignment.

Main reasons and benefits why it is good to pay for a good alignment.

• Maneuverability and safety with correct alignment is guaranteed.
• The tires will last longer than expected. Therefore, you will not change tires often.
• There will be no uneven tire wear.