Proper wheel alignment promotes even tire wear, and it makes your vehicle easier to steer. Your tires can be knocked out of alignment if you hit a curb or a parking block; once the tire is misaligned, it is off-center in its orientation. A misaligned tire is invisible to the naked eye, but you will feel the effects when you drive.
How to Tell if Your Vehicle Needs an Alignment
Vehicles needing auto wheel alignment Marana exhibit some signs. The off-center tire will ‘pull’ the car in that direction; if your front tire is pushed slightly inward, your car will gradually drift to the left when you’re driving on a flat road. You’ll have to keep the steering wheel pulled to the right, which isn’t only annoying, it causes the misaligned tire to wear prematurely, and it decreases fuel mileage.
Uneven Tire Wear
Tires with unevenly worn tread show that the vehicle was driven for a long time in a misaligned position. “Cupped” tread wear shows not only misalignment, but tires which are out-of-balance. In most cases, the inner tread of the tire will wear down, while the outer tread is still thick; the reverse can also happen. When a tire is unevenly worn, it must be replaced.
How Long Does an Alignment Take?
A proper wheel alignment takes under an hour in most cases. Your vehicle is driven onto a platform, which lets the wheels spin while their orientation is calculated. The results are compared to a manufacturer specifications database, and if a misalignment is shown adjustments are made and the vehicle is retested. If your wheels are in need of a balance, you can have it done while your car is on the platform.
Wheel Alignment Prices
The cost of wheel alignment Marana typically includes tire rotation, which also allows for more even tread wear. Vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive almost always require alignment of all four wheels, but in some cases only the front wheels require service. If you have a lifted vehicle, mention it to the shop owner when you’re requesting an estimate; you should also ask if all four tires will be done as it can affect the cost of the job.
