At LB Auto, we believe that maintaining your vehicle’s optimal performance and safety goes beyond regular oil changes and brake inspections. One crucial but often overlooked aspect of vehicle maintenance is regular tire alignments. Proper alignment ensures that your tires meet the road at the correct angle, your wheels are pointing in the right direction, and your tires are centered in the wheel wells. Here’s why regular tire alignments are essential and how they benefit your driving experience.
 

What is Tire Alignment?

Tire alignment, also known as wheel alignment, involves adjusting the angles of the wheels to the car manufacturer’s specifications. The primary angles adjusted during an alignment are the camber, toe, and caster. These adjustments help ensure that your vehicle drives straight and your tires wear evenly.

Camber

Camber refers to the inward or outward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Too much inward or outward tilt indicates improper alignment and can cause uneven tire wear.

Toe

Toe alignment refers to the extent to which your tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above. Proper toe alignment ensures that the tires roll parallel to each other.

Caster

Caster is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. It helps with the stability of the vehicle at high speeds and affects the steering wheel return.
 

Benefits of Regular Tire Alignments

Improved Handling and Safety

Properly aligned tires ensure that your vehicle handles as intended. Misalignment can cause your car to pull to one side, making it difficult to control. This can be particularly dangerous in emergency situations or adverse weather conditions. Regular alignments help maintain your car’s stability and steering precision, enhancing overall safety.

Extended Tire Life

Misaligned tires can wear unevenly and prematurely, leading to costly replacements. For instance, if your camber is off, the inner or outer edges of your tires may wear faster than the rest of the tire. Regular alignments ensure even tire wear, extending the life of your tires and saving you money in the long run.

Better Fuel Efficiency

When your wheels are misaligned, your engine has to work harder to propel the vehicle forward, which can reduce fuel efficiency. Proper alignment reduces rolling resistance, allowing your car to move more efficiently and improving gas mileage. This means fewer trips to the gas station and more money in your pocket.

Enhanced Driving Comfort

Driving a vehicle with misaligned tires can result in a bumpy and uncomfortable ride. You might feel vibrations in the steering wheel or notice that your car drifts to one side. Regular alignments provide a smoother driving experience by ensuring all four wheels are working together harmoniously.

Reduced Wear on Suspension and Steering Components

Misalignment puts extra strain on your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems. Over time, this additional stress can lead to premature wear and tear on these components, resulting in expensive repairs. Regular alignments help to minimize this strain, preserving the health of your suspension and steering systems.
 

Signs Your Car Needs an Alignment

Knowing when your car needs an alignment can prevent further issues. Here are some common signs that it’s time for a visit to LB Auto: – Pulling to One Side: If your car drifts to the left or right when you’re driving straight, it’s a clear sign of misalignment. – Uneven Tire Wear: Inspect your tires regularly. Uneven wear patterns often indicate alignment issues. – Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight, it’s time for an alignment check. – Vibrations: Unusual vibrations in the steering wheel while driving can be a symptom of misaligned wheels.
 

Schedule Your Tire Alignment at LB Auto

Regular tire alignments are essential for maintaining your vehicle’s safety, performance, and efficiency. At LB Auto, our skilled technicians use state-of-the-art alignment equipment to ensure your wheels are perfectly aligned according to manufacturer specifications. Visit us at 1013 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, or contact us at (615) 306-5180 to schedule your alignment appointment today. 

Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. Keep your vehicle performing at its best with regular tire alignments from LB Auto. Contact us today at leebo2798@yahoo.com to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain your car for the long haul. Drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is in expert hands at LB Auto.