Alignment can be something many people don’t immediately realize is an issue for their vehicle. However, there are signs that your vehicle would benefit from our precision wheel alignment services at Lockett’s Auto Care. We can guide you through what to look out for and provide the most comprehensive wheel alignment you’ll find in Catonsville if your vehicle needs it.
Precision Wheel Alignment Services
Steering and suspension components of a car or truck wear with age. This causes tire pull, leading, or drifting even when driving on a level surface or straight road.
- Tire pull: A pull is generally defined as needing to apply force in either direction of the steering wheel to maintain straight travel.
- Lead or drift: This is a mild pull that does not require the driver to apply force to counteract.
When wheels or tires aren’t properly aligned, they will wear unevenly, causing them to be replaced sooner than usual. Our precision wheel alignment services preserve your car or truck’s performance.
Tire and Alignment Conditions
Sometimes vehicles experience an up-and-down vibration usually caused by tires or wheels that are out-of-balance or defective. There can also be a back-and-forth vibration due to an alignment issue.
Stiff steering or a wheel that is slow to return to the center can indicate low tire pressure or improper power steering function. Binding steering and/or suspension linkage can also cause a stiff steering condition.
It’s beneficial to understand some of the alignment angles that can impact your vehicle’s alignment status. Consider the following:
- Toe is the most important of the alignment angles because it provides maximum stability. Toe adjustment is the difference in distance between the front and rear of the tires. It can also be described as comparing horizontal lines drawn through both wheels on the same axis.
- Camber is the inward tilt of the wheels. Excessive negative camber in either direction leads to scuffing and premature wheel wear. As the vehicle is loaded or when springs sag, the camber usually decreases. Unequal camber angles from side to side may induce a pulling.
- Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis. It affects steering and stability. Vehicles with any significant caster angle designed into the steering and suspension geometry use a steering dampener to reduce steering wheel shimmy.
These are just some of the fundamentals our expert technicians look at when determining your vehicle’s alignment issues. At Lockett’s Auto Care, we want to make sure all customers understand what to look for and know what the issues are with their vehicle.
ALIGNMENT FAQS
If you notice your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight or if your car is pulling to the left or right while the steering wheel is straight, it may be time for a wheel alignment. Alignments are often necessary after heavy wear and tear such as off-roading, colliding with a large object or running over large potholes. It is recommended to check wheel alignment every 10,000 miles to ensure the front and rear wheels are straight.
Issues with a vehicle’s wheel alignment is a common cause of pulling or drifting either to the left or right while driving.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LOCKETT’S AUTO CARE
Our team is ready to help you get the most out of your vehicle. Whatever issue you are facing, you can trust us to give you an honest, thorough assessment with the fairest pricing around. We provide a wide range of services such as:
- Battery check and replacement
- Belts and hoses maintenance
- Brakes
- Differential
- Drivetrain
- Suspension and steering
- Tire and wheel services
These are just some of the services we provide. Don’t put off routine maintenance. Reach out to us today at 410.744.4328.