During the winter you may have inadvertently hit a pothole or sideswiped a curb. Now may be the time to have your service shop perform and alignment check and suspension inspection.

Many times our cars suspension has been compromised.

This can cause symptoms such as pulling to one side, wandering, slow steering response and uneven tire wear. How will you know when it’s time for a checkup? Unless you notice a change in you cars driving style, a tire inspection with an alignment check are a sure fire way to alert you to hidden trouble on your vehicle.

There are 4 main adjustments checks for a proper alignment. And all alignments should be full - both front and rear adjustments.

Caster: Look at your wheels from the side. The angle of the steering axis, either forward or backward is caster.  While this may not cause tire wear, it will have an impact on how your car steers. The height of your car can also change the caster. Over loading, weak or worn springs or purposely adjusting the height of your vehicle and effect the caster measurement.

Camber: Now stand in front of your car. Check the tilt of your tires, either inward or outward.  Camber will cause uneven tie wear and effect directional control of your vehicle.  Over time, out of adjusted camber will produce worn suspension parts. Proper camber adjustment allows for the maximum surface of your tire to come in contact with the road while driving.

Toe Set: If you measure the distance between the front edge of your tires and compare to the distance between the back edge of your tires – you have the toe set. This adjustment ensures that your wheels are rolling parallel to the road while driving. 

Ride Height: Maintaining your vehicles proper ride height is essential to all of the above adjustments.  Any changes to the manufactures specifications for vehicle height can throw off the alignment.  Making sure that your car is not overloaded or that the springs are not worn will help.

Never underestimate the power of a proper alignment.  A yearly check up can protect the value of your vehicle and keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.