Tyre or wheel alignment, is a crucial step in completing perfectly fitted tyre. We will give you all the alignment information you need to ensure impeccable handling, performance and long tyre life.
What is tyre alignment?
Alignment consists of checking the inclination levels of the tyres fitted to your vehicle so that they respect the recommendations of the manufacturer. To achieve this alignment, our technicians will consider the following three elements:
The toe-in angle corresponds to the inclination of the wheels in relation to the vehicle undercarriage. This inclination is usually directed inwards and is referred to as toe-in. It’s purpose is to increase stability. However, this may be different in sport/perfomance mode, where the primary goal is to maximize performance in high-speed cornering. In this case the alignment will be referred to as "opening".
The camber angle will also affect the inclination of the wheel axis when on a perpendicular plane, most commonly the road. We speak about positive or negative cambers depending on the angle that is required. Eg to favour straight-line road holding or grip whilst cornering.
The caster angle determines the inclination of the wheel pivot axis. It affects the balance of the vehicle's steering and its behavior during steering.
The precise measurement of each of these angles is defined to the nearest millimetre, thanks to the know-how and mastery of a specific tool, in this case a geometry bench. Even the best performing tyres will not be able to deliver optimum performance if they are fitted poorly. In order to optimize the tyre’s lifespan, the adjustment of these angles is essential.
What are the signs of bad alignment?
There are certain signs that may alert you whilst driving your vehicle: - Left or right veering when driving in a straight line - A steering wheel displaced from its initial axis - Squeaky tyres
Once stationary, remember to take a look at the tread of your tyres. This where you may be able to spot any abnormal wear. A perfectly balanced and aligned tyre will show wear evenly over its entyre surface. On the other hand, you may notice uneven (single-sided) wear on the inside or outside of a tyre. This is often due to poor tyre alignment. In addition to degraded vehicle control, inappropriate positioning of the tyres will lead to excess consumption of fuel. The tyre will have to withstand more force exerted on it therefore increasing its rolling resistance.
Poor tyre alignment can have significant impact on the safety and performance on your vehicle. Your local TYREPLUS dealer has the knowledge to correctly follow the manufacturers recommendations and find the perfect balance for you.