Whether you’re using your Jeep for adventurous off-roading, cruising along the highway, or navigating the busy streets of Indianapolis, you want your steering and handling to be pinpoint precise. When the wheels of any car, SUV, or truck come out of alignment, this precision is reduced along with your road safety. Regular Jeep wheel alignment keeps your steering accurate and reliable, no matter the terrain.
Jeep Wheel Alignment: Importance for On and Off-Road Driving
How Wheels Come Out of Alignment
As the tires of any road vehicle bump over potholes or knock against curbs, the suspension holding the wheels in place gradually becomes skewed. This causes the wheels to become slightly misaligned along one or more of the three angles: toe, caster, and camber.
Naturally, off-roading over rough terrain increases the chance of wheel misalignment, no matter how sturdy your suspension. If not corrected regularly, misalignment can worsen handling, reduce gas mileage, and cause the tires to wear down unevenly.
How Frequently to Check Your Alignment
The important thing is to have the exact angles of your wheels measured routinely, a process involving precision computerized machinery. For most drivers, it’s recommended to have this done every six months. However, if you’re a fan of off-road driving, consider having your alignment checked three or four times a year.
How a Technician Realigns Your Wheels
When wheels are found to be crooked, it’s easy enough to set them straight with the right know-how and machinery. We can typically return a car or truck’s wheels to their original factory alignment within an hour.
First, an alignment machine is connected to each wheel. Our technicians then use the computerized measurement readouts to make tiny adjustments to each wheel until they’re perfectly parallel once more.
Warning Signs of Misaligned Wheels
Along with regular alignment checks, keep your eyes and ears open for symptoms of misaligned wheels. If your steering seems less reliable or your vehicle is pulling to one side, you may need an alignment. Improper alignment can also cause the tires to squeal when cornering. Uneven tire wear is another warning sign.
Your vehicle will vibrate more, and road noise will rise. You may also notice your fuel efficiency falling. And when wheels are seriously misaligned, the steering wheel can sometimes become pushed into an off-center position. If you detect these issues, don’t delay in having your wheels realigned to ensure optimized control over your vehicle at all times.
Visit Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Anderson, IN, today to have your wheels measured and set straight. We’re a local family-run dealership delivering top-notch vehicles, maintenance services, and customer care. Our courteous, experienced technicians will also be happy to inspect, balance, and rotate your tires.
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