Car Care Tips

Alignment stuff

What is it?
Essentially, alignment refers to the way your car’s wheels are positioned. Ideally, your wheels should be parallel and facing forward.

How could it go wrong?

Everything from age to components wearing out to a bump in the road can cause your wheels to shift out of alignment. This could result in one of three different problems:

Camber:
The wheels are tilted, either inward or outward. This will create pulling and tire wear.

Toe:
A change in the distance between the front and back of the front or rear tires. This will wear on the tires, too.

Caster:
A backward or forward tilt at the top of the wheel’s spindle support arm. This will cause loose or difficult steering.

If any of these problems develop, they will begin to take their toll on your car’s tires and performance, as well as steering manageability.

How do you recognize a problem?

Several ways: is your steering wheel straight when you are driving? Does your car pull to one side? Does your steering wheel vibrate? Do you notice uneven tire wear? Does your steering feel loose, or is it difficult to control?

Use this guide to inspect your tires.

Check your tires periodically using this chart. A number of different things can affect your tires – from alignment to suspension components to improper inflation of tires. If you recognize any of these symptoms, bring your car in for a free inspection.

How does Tuffy make it right?

When your wheels are properly aligned, you’ll get better gas mileage; your tires will last longer; steering will be easier; your ride will be smoother; and most importantly, the drive will be safer. Many manufacturers recommend that you should have your alignment and related components checked every 10,000 miles or once a year. There are three different types of alignment jobs. Basically, a good-better-best approach:

GOOD

Two-wheel geometric centerline alignment.

This adjusts the toe on your front wheels only. This will work only if your rear wheels are properly aligned. (Used mostly on trucks and older rear-wheel drive cars).

BETTER

Four-wheel thrust line alignment

This aligns the front wheels to the rear-wheel alignment.

BEST

Complete four-wheel thrust line alignment.

This is the optimal approach: aligning all wheels straight ahead and parallel.

Your Tuffy technician will advise you as to which approach is right for your car.