WHAT IS TIRE ALIGNMENT?

When we perform an alignment, what we are doing is making an adjustment to your vehicle’s suspension. The suspension is the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels. This is not just an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves. The key to proper alignment is adjusting the angles of the tires which affects how they make contact with the road.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A TIRE ALIGNMENT?

When servicing at MacPhee Ford, we will always give your vehicle a complimentary alignment check to show you exactly what condition your vehicle is in. Worried about your tires now? Here are a few indicators that will tell you if your vehicle needs an alignment.

Uneven tread wear
The vehicle tends to pull to the right or left
The steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
Vibration throughout the steering wheel

WHY DOES A TIRE ALIGNMENT MATTER?

Improper wheel or tire alignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. Below are some specific types of undue tread wear attributable to misalignment.

CAMBER WEAR:

This strain of tread wear means the inside or outside of the tread is significantly more worn than the center of the tread. As its name implies, positive or negative camber causes this type of wear.

FEATHERING:

Tires are “feathered” when the tread is smooth on one side and sharp on another. This is usually a sign of poor toe alignment.

HEEL/TOE WEAR:

This happens when one side of your tread blocks wears down more quickly than the other in a circumferential direction. When you run your hand over the tread, it will look and feel like saw teeth when viewed from the side. Heel/toe wear could be a sign of under inflation and/or lack of rotation.

For any additional questions on your vehicle’s alignment, you can call us directly at (902) 434-7700 or send a question in the form below.