Vehicle wheel alignments are a vital aspect of car maintenance that often goes overlooked. By understanding the importance of proper wheel alignment, you can ensure the best performance, enhance safety, and prolong the lifespan of parts in your car.

Tire Wear 

Vehicle wheel alignments can have a direct influence on tire wear. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear patterns that cause damage to the tread of the tires on your car. Regular wheel alignments can correct this issue, promoting uniform wear and extending the life of the tires on your vehicle. 

Properly maintained tires not only wear better, but they improve handling and make the car more comfortable for passengers riding in your vehicle. Traction is also improved and ensures you can drive in wet weather without handling issues. 

Suspension System

A well-aligned wheel system contributes to the health of your suspension system. Misaligned wheels can add stress to suspension components, including shocks, struts, and control arms. 

Over time, this can lead to premature wear and decreased performance. Proper wheel alignments reduce unnecessary strain, extending the life of suspension parts and maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride.

Steering System Efficiency

Wheel misalignment affects the efficiency of your steering system. When wheels are not properly aligned, the vehicle may pull to one side, requiring constant correction. 

This can lead to driver fatigue and affect the overall driving experience. By maintaining accurate wheel alignments, you ensure the smooth operation of the steering system, providing better control and reducing steering effort.

If the wheel alignment is related to worn steering parts, you may need to repair the suspension and steering first, then align the wheels to ensure everything works correctly.

Fuel Efficiency Optimization

Proper wheel alignments positively impact fuel efficiency in many cases. Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder to move the vehicle forward. 

This results in higher fuel consumption and decreased mileage. By maintaining accurate wheel alignments, you reduce the resistance, increasing fuel efficiency, and reducing fuel expenses and stress on the engine that could cause bigger issues in the future.

Brake Performance

Proper wheel alignments play a role in braking performance in your vehicle. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven brake pad wear and reduced braking effectiveness.

The tire's contact patch is more effective on the road with tires that are sitting flat on the asphalt. If the alignment is off enough, it can even cause damage to the outer edge of the tire when stress is applied in areas that the tire was designed to deal with.  

Handling and Stability

The tires are part of the suspension system in modern cars, and wheel alignments significantly influence the handling and stability of your vehicle. Misaligned wheels can cause the car to pull to one side, affect cornering ability, and compromise overall stability. 

This can be a problem, especially in emergencies or adverse weather conditions. Proper wheel alignments ensure predictable handling, providing stability and improved safety on the road.