A wheel alignment might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about car maintenance, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle safe, smooth, and efficient. Over time, factors like rough roads, potholes, and normal wear can throw your wheels out of alignment, affecting your car’s handling and causing unnecessary tyre wear. At Elden’s Autobahn (EA) Performance, we know that regular wheel alignments are key to ensuring a safe, smooth, and cost-effective driving experience. Here’s why alignment should be part of your routine maintenance.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment refers to the precise adjustment of the angles of your car’s wheels to meet manufacturer specifications. Proper alignment ensures that your tyres meet the road at the right angle, maintaining optimal contact and tread wear. Misalignment can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and even reduced fuel efficiency, as your car has to work harder to move smoothly.
Key Benefits of Regular Wheel Alignment
1. Improves Tyre Lifespan and Reduces Costs
Misaligned wheels lead to uneven tyre wear, with certain areas of the tyre wearing out faster than others. Regular alignment ensures that tyres wear evenly, which maximises their lifespan and saves you the cost of premature replacements. Given that tyres are one of the more expensive maintenance items on a vehicle, regular alignment pays off in the long run.
2. Enhances Fuel Efficiency
When wheels are out of alignment, it creates resistance that causes the engine to work harder, which in turn burns more fuel. Proper alignment reduces this resistance, allowing your car to roll more efficiently and improving fuel economy. While the fuel savings might be subtle on a daily basis, they add up significantly over time.
3. Improves Handling and Stability
Misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side, affecting your ability to steer straight and control the vehicle, especially at higher speeds or on wet roads. Regular wheel alignment ensures better handling, making your car more responsive to steering and enhancing overall stability.
4. Prevents Strain on Suspension and Steering Components
Misalignment doesn’t just affect tyres; it puts added strain on your suspension and steering systems, causing parts to wear out faster and increasing the likelihood of costly repairs. Regular alignment keeps these components in good condition, saving you from premature wear and potential repair expenses.
5. Increases Driving Comfort
When wheels are properly aligned, your car drives smoother, with less vibration and noise. Misalignment can cause the car to feel shaky or bumpy, which impacts comfort, especially on longer drives. A quick alignment adjustment can make a big difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your ride feels.
Signs Your Wheels May Be Out of Alignment
If you’re unsure whether your wheels need an alignment, watch for these common signs:
- Pulling to one side: If your car drifts to one side even when driving straight, it’s likely due to misalignment.
- Uneven or rapid tyre wear: Check for signs of uneven wear on the inner or outer edges of the tyres.
- Off-centre steering wheel: If your steering wheel is off-centre when you’re driving straight, it’s time for an alignment.
- Vibrations while driving: Excessive vibrations, especially in the steering wheel, can indicate misalignment.
- Increased road noise: Unusual noise, especially at higher speeds, can be a result of uneven tyre wear from misalignment.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your alignment checked. At Elden’s Autobahn, we use advanced alignment equipment to ensure that your wheels are perfectly aligned for optimal safety and performance.
How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?
Most experts recommend having your alignment checked every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, or at least once a year. However, if you frequently drive on rough roads, encounter potholes, or experience any of the symptoms above, you may benefit from more frequent alignment checks. Our team at Elden’s Autobahn can help set up an alignment schedule tailored to your driving habits and vehicle type.
FAQs About Wheel Alignment and Car Performance
Q: Can I do a wheel alignment myself?
A: Alignment requires specialised equipment and is best handled by a professional to ensure precision and safety.
Q: How long does a wheel alignment take?
A: A standard wheel alignment typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the vehicle and its condition.
Q: Will a wheel alignment improve fuel efficiency?
A: Yes, proper alignment reduces resistance, helping your car roll more efficiently and improving fuel economy.
Q: How can I tell if my car needs an alignment or balancing?
A: Misalignment affects tyre wear and handling, while unbalanced tyres cause vibrations. We can inspect and diagnose the issue during service.
Q: Can I combine wheel alignment with other tyre services?
A: Yes, alignment is often done alongside tyre rotation and balancing to ensure even wear and optimal performance.
FAQs About Elden’s Autobahn (EA) Performance
Q: Why choose Elden’s Autobahn for wheel alignment?
A: At EA Performance, we use advanced alignment equipment and expertise to provide precise adjustments, ensuring your car handles smoothly and safely.
Q: Do you service all vehicle makes and models?
A: Yes, we offer alignment services for a wide range of makes and models, ensuring quality care for all vehicles.
Q: Where is Elden’s Autobahn located?
A: Our shop is located at 1/8 John Lund Drive, Hope Island, QLD. Call us at (07) 5615 0025 to schedule your alignment.
Q: Can you check my alignment during a routine service?
A: Absolutely! We can inspect alignment during routine maintenance and recommend adjustments if necessary.
Q: How often should I check my tyre alignment?
A: Tyre alignment should be checked annually or if you notice pulling or uneven wear. We can perform alignment checks alongside rotation and balancing.