Once in a while, we need to go for car servicing and then we forget about it for at least three months; but did you know that your car’s tyres need a regular check or at least every week? If you didn’t, that’s okay as most people do not realise the importance of tyres maintenance and sometimes they end up with worn-out tyres or worst irreparable tyres. Do you know when to go for wheel alignment and balancing? If not, then this blog is for you! Everything you need to know about wheels is here, so get ready to learn.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is where all the wheels of the car are aligned in the way they should be. Time and usage of a car are the factors that one has to consider when the wheels need alignment. These settings usually need adjustment to keep the wheel properly aligned. Proper wheel alignment plays an important role in the understanding of a vehicle in motion. Make sure that geometric angles of Caster, Camber and Toe are correct in a tyre and if you don’t know about these, do take your vehicle to a professional who will take care of it.

When should you go for wheel alignment?

Many people don’t know as to when to head to the car garage for wheel alignment. There are many reasons when you need to go to check the wheel alignment; they are:

• when your vehicle hit a kerb or another vehicle
• when you notice an uneven or an abnormal tyre wear
• when there is a handling issue like the vehicle pulls off towards left or right and the steering not returning easily when you take a turn
• when the steering and suspension components are replaced and you don’t check if there is a need for any wheel alignment
• when you have completed 50,000km of driving

What happens if you ignore the real problem?

Well, it is better not to ignore this problem as it can be dangerous. If you do, then you will soon need a new set of tyres due to abnormal wear caused by the faulty wheel alignment. The drive might be as smooth as it was claimed by the car dealer or you can put yourself at risk as there can be instability and hazards.

Does it take long to get the wheel-alignment done?

The front and rear wheel alignment can be achieved in about 30 minutes to an hour time, depending on your car service centre. The engineering jargon like castor, camber and toe might be something out of the ordinary for you, but wheel alignment is a straightforward operation that requires less time than expected. It will start with your car being taken to a platform where the wheels will spin, rotate and a computer will assess the orientation of each wheel.

What is Wheel Balancing?

Wheel balancing is all about smooth driving, safety, tyre wear and stability that allows the tyres to spin without causing any vibrations. Tyre balancing refers to compensation for any weight imbalances in the tyre combination. It is often performed along with wheel alignment. Wheels should always be balanced off the car as the modern wheel balancer does both dynamic and static balance simultaneously. Wheel balancing helps to ensure that the wheels are rotating in an even manner on the road.

When should you go for wheel balancing?

You should have your balancing and alignment checked for every 5,000 to 6,000 kilometres and every time you change new tyres. It is better not to delay in these matters. You should go for it when:

• your steering wheel vibrates at high speed and this occurs when there is an imbalance in the front wheels
• when the seats and the floorboard vibrates at high speeds due to an imbalance in the rear wheels
• when there is a scalloped or cupped wear pattern on the tyres

What happens if you ignore the real problem?

Well, then you will need a new set of tyres due to abnormal scalloping/cupping on the tyre surface. It can even put uneven pressure on the tyre treads/pattern, which results in hot-spots and uneven wear. If ignored at the beginning, then it may strain your vehicle bearing and suspension, which can result in loss from your side only.

How to restore the balance?

It is on a wheel balancing machine that the wheels are checked as it can sense as little as ¼ ounce difference in weight around the wheel. That tiny amount of weight travels around the axle that hundreds of times a minute, which creates enough momentum to cause vibrations. Experts at Soroush Tyres will help balance the wheel in a timely and professional manner.

Why Soroush Tyres?

With 30 years of experience, they offer a wide range of wheel alignment, balancing, tyre repair and replacement services on Sunshine North, Sunshine, St Albans and Keilor East. They use the latest technology to deliver the best job. Also, they cater for all makes and models of vehicles!