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| Alignments |
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A true alignment is good for you in many ways, because it can save you money in gas, for instance when your tires are rolling down the road pigeon towed or duck footed it causes extra drag, not to mention, unusual or premature tire wear. An alignment done correctly, and I emphasize 'correctly' not only returns the steering back to the way it was intended by the manufacture, but also corrects steering wheels not centered, influences handling, and optimizes tire wear. If you are a performance enthusiast if requested, we will adjust the alignment specifications to obtain better turn-in properties and more grip from the tires to allow higher cornering speeds.
This is a must for track users and spirited canyon drivers. Our store has been directly involved with road racing for many years and can offer loads of advice! Again, unlike other tire stores. We service many other racers needs as well. We do corner weighting on request. Corner Weighting "is" working with coil over shocks or struts, setting ride height 1st and then scaling or weighing the car and readjusting the ride height per corner to achieve equal weight distribution front and rear, and left and right. This makes a car steer equal left or right. It is our pleasure to be involved with sophisticated vehicles and we have enjoyed a huge success in this endeavor. Thank you for trusting us with your vehicles.
What Everyone Should Know About Wheel Alignment
On this vehicle, the front wheels are not aligned to the rear thrust line. This can happen from normal wear and stress, whether your vehicle has adjustable or non-adjustable rear suspension.
To steer straight ahead, you would have to steer the front wheels slightly to the right.
A common result would be that the vehicle would "dog track" and possibly "pull" to the side.
Of course, the angles are exaggerated so you can more easily see the condition. But it takes only a small misalignment to create problems.
Why Four Wheel Alignment?
Reduced Tire Wear
Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear. Over the years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to tire life.
Better Gas Mileage
Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheel parallel which, along with proper inflation, minimizes rolling resistance.
Safer Driving
A suspension system inspection is part of our alignment procedure. This allows us to spot worn parts before they cause costly problems.
Here's what we do:
For vehicles with non-adjustable rear suspensions:
- Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
- The steering wheel is centered.
- Front wheels are referenced to rear thrust line and set to specifications.
Result: All four wheels are parallel and the steering wheel is centered.
For vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions:
- Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
- Rear wheels are set to specification. (Rear thrust line corresponds to vehicle centerline.)
- Steering wheel is centered.
- Front wheels are referenced to the rear thrust line and set to specification.
Result: all four wheels are positioned straight ahead and parallel, and the steering wheel is centered.
Important Questions About Wheel Alignment
Q. How important is wheel alignment?
A. Think of it this way. Research indicates that the average car is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with toe alignment just 0.34 degrees (Just 0.17 inches) out of specification has dragged its tires sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year!
Q. What are the "symptoms" of a car that's out of alignment?
A. Have your car checked if you notice:
Excessive or uneven tire wear.
Steering wheel pulls to the left or right.
Feeling of looseness or wandering.
Steering wheel vibration or shimmy.
Steering wheel is not centered when car is moving straight ahead.
Q. How often should I have my car aligned?
A. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation noted in your owner's manual. But, as a general rule, have your vehicle's tires checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.
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