A Car Owner's Guide to Alignment, Wheels, and Tires

Your car's alignment, wheels, and tires are major components that affect the handling, performance, and safety of your vehicle. Regular inspections and repairs of these components can result in a smoother, more enjoyable ride that is safer for both you and your passengers.

Alignment

Alignment refers to the direction your tires face. In a properly aligned car, the tires point in the same direction at all times, which leads to better handling and better gas mileage.

Issues

When your tires are out of alignment, they can be a danger to both you and your car. A poorly aligned vehicle can veer or be difficult to steer. Misalignment also affects other mechanical components in the car, so a breakdown could occur. Damages to the suspension system can occur from alignment issues. A misaligned vehicle also gets worse gas mileage than one in proper alignment.

Inspection

You can determine if your car needs an alignment fix before you take your car into the shop. If your car veers to one side, your steering wheel won't stay centered when driving straight, or if the steering wheel shakes, then alignment issues are the likely cause. You may also notice uneven wear on your tires when your car is misaligned.

Wheels

For many car owners, the wheels are considered accessories that are chosen merely for their appearance, but wheels can also affect the handling and performance of your vehicle.

Issues

Overly narrow wheels or cheap wheels that degrade or don't hold their shape can have major effects on handling. Another issue is older wheels that have begun to degrade. If you notice rust, corrosion, or other damage on the wheels, then their structural integrity has been compromised and you likely need a replacement. Damaged wheels can lead to blowouts, suspension problems, and worn tires if they aren't replaced promptly.

Options

A wider wheel base is almost always a good idea when it comes to improving the performance of your vehicle. Wider wheels designed for low profile tires are called plus-sized wheels. These wheels don't have a major effect on gas mileage, but they do improve stability and steering response.

Another consideration when shopping for new wheels are the material. Alloy wheels are usually the preferred option because they provide durability but with minimal weight, which aids in steering capabilities and handling.

Tires

Bald or mismatched tires don't just affect performance and gas mileage; they can also be a major safety hazard. Tire inspections and replacement should be considered a basic maintenance task that you never overlook.

Issues

Uneven wear, loss of tread, or old tires can cause major issues, including loss of vehicle control and blowouts. Tire wear can also be indicative of alignment or suspension issues, so staying on top of your tire condition can also help you to catch other minor problems with your car before they become expensive repairs.

You need new tires if your current tires are more than six years old or if the tread has become too worn. Rubber degrades, so older tires are more prone to flats and blowouts. You can determine tread wear with the quarter test. Insert a quarter head first into the tread. If the tread doesn't reach the head, then it is time to replace the tires.

Options

When you choose tires, opt for the highest quality that fits your budget. Use your owner's manual and your rims to determine the best size of tire. Then look to your driving habits. For better handling and performance on dry summer roads, opt for summer tires. Snow tires may be necessary if you have a lot of snow and ice during the winter months. In mild or rainy climates, all-season tires are probably the best option.

Contact Euroclassics Ltd. for more assistance in choosing the right tires and wheels for your car.