What You Should Know About Wheel Alignment

Why Total Wheel Alignment?

Reduced Tire Wear

Improper alignment is a major cause of early tire wear. Over the years, a correctly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to the tire life. Most tires are replaced early due to adverse wear.

Better Gas Mileage

Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheels parallel, along with proper inflation, decreases the rolling resistance.

Improved Handling

Does your car pull to one side or the other? Do you constantly have to move your steering wheel to keep your car moving straight ahead? Many handling issues can be corrected by total alignment service. With all the vehicle's parts aligned properly, road shock is more easily absorbed for a smoother ride.

Safer Driving

A suspension system inspection is part of the alignment procedure. This allows us to find the worn parts before they cause you costly problems.

Here's What We Do for Vehicles with Non-Adjustable Rear Suspension:

1. Alignment angle readings are measured at all wheels.
2. The steering wheel is centered.
3. Adjustable front wheel alignment angles are referenced to the rear thrust line and set to the vehicle's manufacturer's specification.

Here's What We Do for Vehicles with Adjustable Rear Suspension:

1. Alignment angle readings are measured at all wheels.
2. Adjustable rear alignment angles are set to the manufacturer's specification. (Rear thrust line corresponds to vehicle centerline.)
3. Steering wheel is centered.
4. Adjustable front wheel alignment angles are referenced to the rear thrust line and set to the manufacturer's specification.

Result: All four wheels are positioned straight ahead and parallel, and the steering wheel is centered.

We use only the Hunter Digital Imaging Wheel Alignment Technology. This is how it works:

Hunter's DSP600 Picture Perfect digital imaging technology uses four precision cameras in the aligner "tower" to measure the position and orientation of reflection targets mounted on each wheel of your car. The aligner computer uses this information to calculate your car's current alignment measurements and then compares these measurements to the car manufacturer's (O.E.M.) alignment specifications. If it determines that your car's wheel alignment is outside factory specifications, the aligner provides the technician with the exact information needed to make the proper adjustment and return the alignment angles to the manufacturer's specifications.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How important is a wheel alignment?

Think of it this way. Research indicates that the average vehicle is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with a toe angle misadjustment of 0.34 degrees (only 0.17 inches) out of specification will drag the tires sideways for more that 68 miles by the end of the year!

What are the "symptons" of a vehical with incorrect alignment?

Have your vehicle checked if you noticed:

• Excessive or uneven tire wear
• The vehicle pulls to the left or right
• Feeling of looseness or wandering
• Steering wheel vibration or shimmy
• Steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead

How often should I have my vehicle aligned?

Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation noted in your owner's manual. As a general rule, have your wheel alignment checked every 10,000 miles or atleast once a year.