Wheel Alignment and Balancing
Alignment
Wheel alignment, or parallelism, is the operation whereby all the wheels on the vehicle are adjusted so as to make them point in the optimum direction relative to the road and each other. This is a feature that has a direct impact on the life and safety of the tires, since it affects the vehicle’s handling, its performance and wear on the tires. When the wheels’ alignment is faulty, steering responds badly, it is difficult to remain straight on the road and it is more demanding on the suspension system. Your investment is then at stake, besides your peace of mind!
Wheel alignment should be checked every 20,000 km , as well as after having a collision or hitting severely a curb, a pothole or roadway defect. Wheel alignment should also be checked when uneven wear of the tires is noticed or when a change in handling occurs, particularly if the vehicle seems to be pulling on one side or the other.
Balancing
Wheel balance refers to the condition in which a tire and wheel turn, their combined weight being evenly spread. An out-of-balance tire-wheel assembly produces wobbling of the wheels, or shimmying, vibrations in the seat, floor or steering column. These vibrations can shake the vehicle to the extent that parts come loose and get damaged. Improper balance also results in premature wear of the tires, increases fuel consumption and directly affects the vehicle’s handling. It can furthermore cause damage to the vehicle’s suspension besides unnecessary fatigue for the driver.
Wheel balancing should be performed every 20,000 km as well as each time a tire is repaired, replaced or that a new tire is installed. Furthermore, whenever vibrations are felt in the handling or uneven wear of the tires is noticed, it is wise to have the wheel alignment and balance checked.
Check with your UNIPNEU Dealer for more information.
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