At times, vehicles need to align their wheels to the optimal position for a better driving experience and other technical reasons. So, what is wheel alignment? It is a critical facet of vehicular maintenance, involving the tedious task of adjusting the angles of a car's wheels to ensure they are parallel and perpendicular to the ground. This procedure is akin to a precise posture checkup for your vehicle, which is pivotal in ensuring optimal performance, safety, and the extended lifespan of your tyres. Let’s explore the meaning of wheel alignment in some detail.
Wheel Alignment Meaning
- Wheel alignment, also known as breaking or tracking, is an essential part of standard automobile maintenance that involves adjusting the angles of the wheels to ensure optimal performance and tyre longevity.
- Proper wheel alignment ensures the vehicle travels straight and true, without pulling to one side, thus reducing uneven tyre wear.
- Wheel alignment is typically recommended every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometres or after hitting a curb or pothole.
- Various sources can be responsible for misaligning a vehicle's wheels. The jolts and impacts encountered on bumpy roads, including potholes, can disrupt alignment, setting it off course. Striking potholes at higher speeds exacerbate the risk and aggravate alignment issues. Even minor collisions or encounters with curbs can influence and compromise the alignment of a vehicle's wheels.
Additionally, sudden and abrupt manoeuvres, characterised by quick and sharp turns, contribute to misalignment, emphasising the importance of regular wheel alignment checks to maintain the vehicle's stability, handling, and overall performance.