Reliable Wheel Alignment in Greenville, NC

Does your car drive straight down Greenville roads, or does it seem to pull slightly to one side? Is your steering wheel perfectly centered when you're driving straight? These things relate directly to your vehicle's wheel alignment.

Wheel alignment is a crucial aspect of car maintenance. It affects how your tires wear, how much gas you use, how the car handles, and your overall driving safety. To help drivers understand this, the experts at Barbour-Hendrick Honda Greenville put together this guide about alignment care.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

It's a common mistake to think wheel alignment adjusts the tires or wheels directly. Instead, the process adjusts your vehicle's suspension – the system that connects the wheels to the car body. The main goals are to make sure your wheels point straight, sit at the right angle to the ground, and are parallel to each other.

Technicians do this by adjusting three main angles:

• Toe: Imagine looking down at your tires from above. Toe is the direction they point compared to the car's center. "Toe-in" means the front edges angle slightly inward; "toe-out" means they angle slightly outward. Correct toe helps the car drive straight and stops tires from wearing unevenly due to "scrubbing."
• Camber: Look at your car from the front. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheels. If the top tilts too far in (negative) or out (positive), it causes faster wear on the inside or outside edges of the tires.
• Caster: Looking from the side, the caster is the angle of the steering axis (where the wheel pivots). It usually doesn't cause tire wear directly, but a correct caster is important for steady steering. It also helps the steering wheel return to the center after you make a turn.

Why Correct Alignment Matters

• Get More Miles from Your Tires: Good alignment prevents uneven wear caused by improper wheel angles or sideways scrubbing. This makes your tires last much longer.
• Save on Fuel: Wheels that are aligned correctly roll more smoothly. This means your engine uses less fuel to move the car.
• Improve Handling and Stability: Correct alignment helps your car drive straight without needing constant small steering adjustments. It also makes handling steady and predictable when turning.
• Drive Safer: Having better control because of correct alignment makes driving safer. This is especially true in emergencies or during adverse weather conditions.
• Reduce Wear on Other Parts: Proper alignment reduces extra strain on steering and suspension parts. This helps prevent early wear and possible repairs to those systems.

Spotting the Signs: Does Your Car Need Alignment?

• Vehicle Pulling: Your car constantly drifts left or right when you try to drive straight on a flat road.
• Crooked Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is noticeably off-center, even when driving straight.
• Uneven Tire Wear: You notice much more wear on the inside or outside edges of your tires than in the middle. Sometimes, the tread edges look worn like feathers.
• Sloppy or Vague Steering: The steering feels less precise or doesn't respond as quickly as it used to.

Common Causes of Misalignment:

• Impact: Hitting potholes (a common issue around Greenville), bumping curbs, or running over objects can easily change alignment angles.
• Wear and Tear: Suspension parts like ball joints and tie rods wear down naturally over time, which can slowly affect alignment.
• New Parts: Installing new tires or replacing suspension parts typically requires an alignment check to ensure everything is properly aligned.

Schedule Your Wheel Alignment Check at Barbour-Hendrick Honda Greenville

Don't let poor wheel alignment compromise your safety, increase your costs, or make driving less enjoyable. Experts often recommend an alignment check once a year, approximately every 10,000-15,000 miles, or whenever new tires are installed. If you notice any signs of bad alignment, it's best to get it checked soon.

Contact Barbour-Hendrick Honda Greenville today to schedule a professional wheel alignment service in Greenville, NC.