[Reasons for tires wear] Comprehensive understanding of four-wheel alignment | Principles and functions | When is a four-wheel alignment necessary?

Tires erosion is a natural phenomenon, but if the degree of erosion is uneven (commonly known as tire erosion), the cause can be quite complex, involving multiple different components. Wheel alignment can effectively prevent or improve the tire erosion phenomenon. However, this action, which can maintain driving safety and comfort, is often overlooked by many car owners. Kwiksure talks about the basic principles, reasons and timing of four-wheel alignment, as well as common problems.

The relationship between tire wear and four-wheel alignment

Although tires is normal for tires to wear out gradually over time. However, if the tires show abnormal or uneven wear, for example, only the tire sidewalls are severely worn, rather than the entire tire surface being evenly worn, it will not only shorten the tire's service life but also affect driving safety. It is absolutely necessary to pay attention to it as soon as possible.

The causes of tire saving are complex, ranging from minor issues like tire pressure to problems with the suspension, braking system, and even the frame. However, we recommend that a simple four-wheel alignment be performed before undertaking costly repairs, as it may resolve the problem.

What is a wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is a technique for adjusting the angles between a car's four tires, the ground, and the vehicle body to maintain optimal geometric relationships. Simply put, it ensures that the tire surface maintains ideal contact with the road surface, whether the wheels are driving straight, turning, or cornering, ensuring driving stability and evenly distributed force on the tires.

Specifically, four-wheel alignment mainly adjusts three angles:

Camber :

The angle of inclination of the tire relative to the vertical when viewed from the front of the vehicle. There are two types of camber: positive and negative. Positive camber means the tire tilts outward from the top down (external wear); negative camber means the tire tilts inward from the top down (inner wear).

Toe :

The angle between the front wheels relative to each other when viewed from above. Proper adjustment improves straight-line stability and steering responsiveness.

Caster :

The angle at which the steering axis tilts forward (positive castor angle) or backward (negative castor angle) when viewed from the side affects the vehicle's straight-line stability and steering self-centering ability.

Why do you need a four-wheel alignment?

Proper wheel alignment provides numerous benefits for your vehicle. First, it extends tire life, prevents unilateral or localized wear caused by misaligned tire angles, and reduces tire replacement costs. Second, proper alignment reduces drag, lowers fuel consumption, and achieves energy savings.

In terms of safety, four-wheel alignment can ensure that the tires are evenly stressed, improving handling stability and steering flexibility, thereby ensuring driving safety. On the other hand, if four-wheel alignment is neglected, the vehicle may experience steering wheel deviation, vibration during driving, or even body tilt. In severe cases, it may also cause excessive wear on other chassis and suspension parts.

When is a four-wheel alignment necessary?

In addition to performing a four-wheel alignment only when uneven tire wear is discovered, we also recommend a four-wheel alignment if the following situations occur:

• The vehicle veers off course or cannot move in a straight line

• The steering wheel vibrates or shakes noticeably

• Frequent driving on roads with many potholes and poor road conditions

Preparation before four-wheel alignment

Before performing a four-wheel alignment, check the tire pressure for correct results. Underinflated or overinflated tires can affect the results. Always use professional 3D alignment equipment and follow the manufacturer's specifications to avoid errors caused by making your own judgment.

Four-wheel alignment and tire balancing

Four-wheel alignment and wheel balancing (commonly known as balancing) are two completely different things. A four-wheel alignment ensures better contact between the tires and the road, while balancing adjusts the weight distribution between the tires and rims to prevent vibration during driving. Generally, after the tires and rims are assembled, the lighter position within the assembly is identified and a lead sheet of appropriate weight is attached to the rim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my car's steering wheel veer to the left or right?

It may be that the toe angle of the four-wheel alignment is not correct, causing the vehicle to automatically deviate to one side when driving.

Is re-alignment required after replacing suspension system parts?

Yes, the chassis or suspension parts must be repositioned after replacement to avoid driving instability and tire damage.