Automobile front and rear wheels are aligned to design specifications for how they “tilt” inward or outward (camber and caster; toe-in and toe-out) with respect to the steering, axles and frame of the automobile. Mileage, road conditions and quality of driving eventually work to change your car’s original wheel alignment.
Component wear, encounters with pot holes, curbs and hard acceleration and braking all alter the settings designed into the steering and suspension for precise handling, maximum tire performance, tire wear and even fuel mileage. Out of alignment conditions usually shows up in slightly more steering input in freeway driving, excessive tire wear, or a mile or two per gallon lost with no good explanation. Modern automobiles require both front and rear wheels to be aligned to factory specifications.
We recommend having your alignment checked and corrected at least once per year. Checks should happen more frequently if pot holes are encountered often or curbs are hit during snow storms. Poor handling, tire wear, fuel mileage loss or other concerns indicates a correction is needed. To schedule your appointment please visit our Service Appointment page.