Does your car vibrate while driving down a smooth road? Is it hard to steer and keep centered in a lane? If so, it may be time to get the wheels aligned. The sooner you schedule a wheel alignment, the sooner you can protect the life of your car's tires and enjoy a smooth, quality ride. You'll also get better gas mileage, helping you save money as gas prices rise.

At Jack Burford Chevrolet, we pride ourselves in quickly remedying automotive issues. If you live in the Richmond, Kentucky, area, visit our service center for all your auto servicing needs. Check out our overview below to better understand wheel alignments and how they can improve your driving experience.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

A wheel alignment refers to angling your car's wheels to make the best contact with the road. The alignment works with your vehicle's suspension to maintain a smooth ride. Daily driving slowly affects wheel alignment. The same applies to driving short or long distances; your car's tires become misaligned over time. Uneven tire wear and disappointing driving performance result from wheel misalignment. Fortunately, this issue is fixable and not permanent.

What Does a Wheel Alignment Do?

Have you ever noticed your car pulling to the right or left while trying to drive in the center of the lane? Or is the steering wheel off-center when you straighten the tires? Your car likely needs a wheel alignment. A wheel or tire alignment adjusts the angles back to their target setting, improving ride quality and extending the life of the tires. A proper wheel alignment also enhances fuel efficiency by reducing the rolling resistance or friction driving causes. 

The angles a technician adjusts in your car's wheels are the camber, the caster, and the toe. The camber is the outward or inward tilt of the tires when you view it from the front. The caster is the front or rear tilt of the tires from the side, and the toe refers to the direction of the tires from above.

You can prevent incorrect wear on your vehicle's tires and avoid replacing them prematurely with a proper tire alignment. For example, the toe angle falls out of alignment quickly, and a toe-in or toe-out angle causes the tires to rub the road, reducing their life span. The camber angle affects how your car handles cornering. If it's not aligned correctly, the camber will cause excessive wear on your car's tires.

What Affects Wheel Alignment?

Aside from everyday driving, several elements can affect your car's wheel alignment. Make a note of any changes you notice to your steering or ride quality after encountering the following:

• A hard impact with a curb or pothole.
• Navigating rugged, off-roading terrains often.
• Lowering or lifting your vehicle on a car lift or jack.
• Uneven or excessive tire wear.
• Steering or suspension part replacement.
• An auto accident.

What Is the Wheel Alignment Process?

If you suspect your car's tires are out of alignment, bring your vehicle to a certified service technician for an assessment. If the wheels need realigning, the technician will measure and make necessary adjustments to each wheel's camber, caster, and toe. 

The technician will use a real-time computer readout to meet each wheel's required angle during the alignment. This adjustment will ensure the tires are at the precise angle necessary for better stability and cornering while driving. Before completing the alignment, the service technician will check the steering wheel and center it. They'll also test-drive your car to double-check that the alignment is correct.

How Long Does Wheel Alignment Take?

A wheel alignment service should typically take about an hour from when your car enters the service bay to when it's complete. But keep in mind that the length of time it takes to fix your car's alignment varies depending on how bad the misalignment is. The timeframe also varies based on whether your vehicle needs a thrust or four-wheel alignment. 

A thrust or standard alignment only involves your car's front wheels, whereas a four-wheel alignment aligns all four wheels to the center of your auto. Regardless of the alignment your vehicle needs, make sure you take it to a reputable tire service center with technicians who know what they're doing. Our technicians work hard to align your car's wheels as quickly as possible while upholding a high standard of quality service.

How Often Should I Schedule a Wheel Alignment?

The right time to schedule a wheel alignment depends on your vehicle's requirements and driving style. If you use your car daily or go off-roading often, the sooner the alignment becomes off-center and requires servicing. As a rule of thumb, get a wheel alignment check every time you rotate your car's tires, usually every six months or 6,000 miles. 

Reference your auto's manual to find the manufacturer's recommended tire rotation schedule. It's best to avoid driving more than 10,000 miles without a tire service from a qualified technician. The longer you wait between checks, the more you risk severe damage to your vehicle's tires. With routine tire checks, rotations, and alignments, you'll save more money in the long run.

A properly aligned vehicle will stay straight on the highway. But if you notice something strange with your car's steering, you should schedule a checkup. Common signs to look for include the car veering to the left or right instead of driving straight. If you replace your car's tires, have the service technician align them to ensure they evenly wear once you hit the road.

Choose Jack Burford Chevrolet for Your Next Tire Alignment

Do you need to schedule a wheel alignment in Richmond, Kentucky? Call our auto service center at Jack Burford Chevrolet at 859-623-3350 and schedule an appointment today. Our team of certified technicians can diagnose any issues your car might have and offer reliable service to fix them. We handle wheel alignments, tire rotations, oil changes, and more. If your car's tires need replacing, we'll set you up with the perfect replacement tires to match your vehicle.