Like any other vehicle issue, wheel misalignment can also be the most typical yet usually ignored issue but it can really have detrimental effects on the performance, safety, and even lifespan of a vehicle. Bad alignment of wheels causes poor handling and uneven wear of tires which also, in turn, contributes to the decrease in fuel efficiency.
That’s why Amigo Tyres - a reputable brand for truck tyres fitting in Rocklea - decided to write an extensive guide explaining everything about wheel misalignment along with its common causes and signs. Read on!
What is Wheel Misalignment?
A wheel misalignment is a condition caused when the angles of the wheels on a vehicle are not set according to the manufacturer's specifications. Wheels are misaligned if they are positioned not correctly with respect to other wheels, as well as with respect to the frame of the vehicle. Because of this, the way tires contact the road is consequently affected, and various problems may arise besides damaging the vehicle over time.
Causes of Wheel Misalignment
There are several factors that can cause wheel misalignment, some of which are within your control, while others are due to external circumstances. Here are the most common external causes:
Impact with Road Hazards: This is one of the most frequent causes of misalignments that occur by hitting road hazards like potholes, curbs, or large speed bumps. It often happens when a sudden impact shifts the angles of your wheels away from their designated location.
Wear and Tear: As a vehicle ages, the suspension components deteriorate, and thus they are no longer able to maintain accurate wheel alignment. The constant stress of daily driving can cause parts like bushings, ball joints, and tie rods, to weaken, leading to misalignment.
Accidents or Collisions: Any damage to the suspension or frame of your vehicle from an accident can easily knock the wheels out of alignment. Even a mirror Even a minor fender bender can cause alignment issues, so it’s always a good idea to have the alignment checked after an accident.
Improper Installation of Suspension Parts: If suspension parts like struts, springs, or shock absorbers are replaced or installed incorrectly, it can lead to misalignment. Ensuring that your vehicle’s suspension system is installed correctly can prevent these issues.
Driving on Uneven Terrain: If you've been driving on poorly paved road surfaces often, or if you go off-roading, it may gradually cause your suspension system to change and be misaligned. Routine checks for wheel alignment become more important for automobiles with most of their use on such roads.
Bad Wheel Bearings: If your wheel bearings are worn out or damaged, they can lead to improper wheel alignment, which affects the overall handling of the car.
Misalignment often doesn't occur immediately, several warning signs could indicate the occurrence of a misalignment issue:
Uneven Tire Wear: This is definitely the most common sign of misalignment, and it usually appears in tires that have worn unevenly. One tire looked more worn from one side than the other side; that's an indication of misaligned wheels.
Pulling to One Side: If the vehicle pulls slightly from left to right while driving straight, it is likely due to misaligned wheels. This condition can make driving tiring and perhaps dangerous.
Vibrating Steering Wheel: Another sign of misalignment is that a steering wheel either shakes or vibrates at high speeds. This could also probably be due to imbalanced tires; however, many more of the cases are referred to an alignment.
Crooked Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel is not centered when you're driving straight, your wheels might not be aligned. This typically happens when the toe angle is incorrect.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency: When aligned, it drags, causing more resistance on the tires that in turn leads to increased fuel consumption. It might be about time to check the wheel alignment if gas mileage suddenly drops without any other evident reason.
Wheel Misalignment Conclusion
Wheel misalignment may seem like a minor issue, but it can cause serious long-term damage to your vehicle and pose risks to your safety. By understanding the causes of misalignment and recognizing the warning signs, you can take action early to prevent expensive repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Still have any queries? Contact us today to have them answered by our tyre experts!