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alignement des roues de voiture

Why your car needs a wheel alignment and how much does it cost?

A car’s alignment is crucial for safe driving, even tire wear, and optimal performance. In this article, learn the common causes of misalignment, the signs to watch for, how much to expect for a realignment service, and what time of year is best to schedule this essential maintenance!

What is car wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is essential to ensuring a smooth, safe and cost-effective ride. By adjusting the angles of your tires so that they are perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other, you not only optimize the performance of your vehicle, but also the life of your tires.

The 3 key angles of wheel alignment

  • Toe-in: This adjustment concerns the steering angle of the tires. Improper adjustment can cause irregular wear (abnormal or uneven tire wear).
  • Camber: The wheel angle must be perfect, otherwise, the edges of your tires will pay the price!
  • Caster: This refers to the angle at which the shock absorber is tilted. This adjustment directly influences the stability and handling of your vehicle, making driving safer and more predictable.

Why is your car alignment important?

A good car alignment is not just about safety and drivability, it benefits your wallet and ensures a comfortable ride.

When wheel angles are properly adjusted, tire wear is even, extending tire life and helping you avoid premature replacements. Proper wheel alignment also helps reduce gas consumption, since properly aligned tires reduce rolling resistance.

Summary of the benefits of a good car alignment

  • Better maneuverability and increased vehicle control;
  • A much more stable and pleasant ride;
  • A significant reduction in gasoline consumption;
  • A decrease in the pollution level.

What causes poor wheel alignment?

Wheel misalignment can occur for a variety of reasons. Road imperfections, such as potholes or bumps, are often the main culprits. Collision with an object or improper maneuvering, such as rubbing against a curb, can also affect alignment. Accident damage or a change in the height of your vehicle are other common causes.

Finally, worn suspension components (such as sagging springs) can impact alignment.

What are the risks of poor wheel alignment?

Improper car alignment can not only cause inconvenience, it can also impact your safety and increase your expenses. When your tires are misaligned, they wear out prematurely and replacements become frequent and expensive. This uneven wear can void your tire warranty, adding additional financial stress to your shoulders.

But the risks of poor alignment don’t stop there: poor alignment can make your driving unpredictable and increase the risk of accidents.

Signs your car needs a wheel alignment

Being aware of the signs of poor alignment is crucial to ensuring safe driving and optimal comfort. Ignoring these signs can not only shorten the life of your tires, but also affect driver assistance systems.

Main indicators to watch

  • Uneven tire wear: If you notice wear patterns on one side of the tires, such as facets or sawtooths, this could indicate misalignment. Beveled wear, where the tread is smooth on one side, is also a clear sign of toe misalignment.
  • Your vehicle pulls to one side: If your car pulls to the left or right when you are driving straight, it could be due to wheel misalignment.
  • Off-center steering wheel: A steering wheel that is not straight when driving in a straight line is often a sign of poor alignment.
  • Vibrations in the steering wheel: Vibrations felt in the steering wheel can be caused by misalignment or imbalance of the wheels.

Do you want to ensure your safety and maintain the performance of your vehicle? It is advisable to have your car’s wheel alignment checked every 20,000 kilometers or every year, even if there are no apparent problems.

A preventive inspection not only contributes to a more pleasant drive, but also protects the essential components of your car. As the saying goes, a little care prevents a big problem!

Wheel alignment: what is the price?

Wondering how much it costs to have your car wheels aligned? The price for a car wheel alignment typically ranges from $80 to $120. Note that this price can fluctuate depending on the complexity of the job and the type of vehicle.

Compare offers

To get the best value for money, some garages offer packages that include alignment with other services, such as tire balancing.

It is always wise to compare offers and keep up to date with current promotions. Investing in a good alignment of your vehicle is crucial not only to extend the life of your tires, but also to ensure a safer and more comfortable drive.

Remember, investing in a wheel alignment today reduces the price of your expenses in the long run!

Aligning car wheels: how often and when is the ideal season?

To enjoy optimal driving, it is advisable to have the alignment checked at least once a year, or every time you replace your tires. An inspection is also necessary after major impacts, such as potholes or minor accidents, and after significant modifications to the suspension.

When spring comes, a realignment is necessary!

And the best time of year to do an alignment? Spring is ideal! After the harsh winter, roads are often damaged, which affects the alignment of the wheels. Taking advantage of spring to perform maintenance will not only help you correct the deformations caused by winter, but also prepare your vehicle for a safer and more comfortable drive during the milder season.

In short, a regular alignment helps extend the life of your tires and ensures better overall performance of your vehicle.

Call Trans-Mico Automotive for your wheel alignment!

Vous désirez connaître le prix d’un alignement des roues? Pour des conseils avisés et un service hors-pair, prenez rendez-vous dès aujourd’hui avec notre équipe d’experts! 

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Sources
BRIDGESTONE TIRE. Tire Alignment: What You Need to Know
PMC Tire. The Importance of Wheel Alignment for the Longevity of Your Tires.

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