Under What Circumstances Should a Car Undergo Wheel Alignment?
2 Answers
Introduction to situations requiring wheel alignment for a car: 1. If four new tires are replaced due to severe abnormal wear of the old tires, this will affect the wheel alignment data, necessitating a wheel alignment. 2. The main parameters adjusted during wheel alignment include caster, camber, toe, and kingpin inclination. Adjusting the caster primarily maintains straight-line stability and ensures the steering returns to center; adjusting the kingpin inclination also maintains stability and ensures the steering returns to center; adjusting the camber increases the tire's contact area to counteract adverse effects; adjusting the toe compensates for the adverse effects caused by camber or toe-in. 3. During wheel alignment, the data must be precise. If there are issues with the wheel alignment, the vehicle may experience pulling to one side, affecting balance during turns, acceleration, braking, and suspension load, which can compromise safe driving.
Having driven for over twenty years, I deeply understand the importance of wheel alignment. If the steering wheel feels unstable or constantly pulls to one side, you should get it checked immediately. Otherwise, prolonged driving can lead to hand fatigue and potential damage to the vehicle. Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner side, is a clear sign of misalignment. Additionally, even minor collisions or scrapes can cause suspension misalignment, making high-speed driving dangerous if left unchecked. It’s also advisable to inspect the alignment every 20,000 kilometers or so. I neglected this once and ended up spending thousands on new tires, not to mention the costly and time-consuming suspension repairs. In short, addressing issues early ensures safety and saves hassle.
