Vehicle Alignment

How important is alignment for longer tyre life?

A quality alignment is mandatory for even tread wear and proper handling. Front and rear tyres should be checked periodically for signs of uneven wear. A change in handling or steering feel can indicate that an alignment is needed. The moderate cost of a four-wheel alignment can more than pay for itself in tyre mileage, performance and comfort.

Just what is alignment, anyway?

A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound, and when the tyre and wheel assemblies are geometrically set to run straight and true.

Automotive suspension systems involve moving parts so wear of steering and suspension components is normal and is expected. As these components wear, however, alignment changes and has to be adjusted to bring the settings back into the specification range.

Alignment is also sensitive to ride height. As the springs get old and sag or bushings deform over time, the vehicle rides lower and misalignment occurs. This changes the load distribution across the tyre and affects the rate of tread wear (i.e., a heavily loaded area will wear more quickly than a lightly loaded area.)

How much air should i put in my tyres?

Proper air pressure is the most important part of tyre care. Tyres should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer of your car.

The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tyre size and inflation pressure are shown in the owner’s manual. This information is also placed in one or more of the following areas:

-on the edge of the driver’s door
-on the door post
-on the inside of the glovebox door

If the tyre size on the vehicle does not match the recommended size, consult the tyre or vehicle manufacturer.

How to get longer tyre life of your car?

-Proper air pressure of your tyres.
-Rotate your tyres every 10,000km.
-Check wheel alignment every 10,000km.








Why should I rotate my tyres?

The purpose of regular tyre rotation is to achieve more uniform wear for all tyres on a vehicle. Before you rotate the tyres, consult the vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer's rotation recommendation. If no rotation period is specified, tyres should be rotated every 10,000km. The first rotation is the most important.

If the tyres show uneven wear, ask a serviceman to check and correct any misalignment, imbalance, or other mechanical problem before rotation.

Manufacturers often recommend different inflation pressures for the front and rear tyres. When tyres are rotated, inflation pressures must be adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

What about on-the-car balancing? Is it better?

On-the-car balance, sometimes called finish balancing, or on-wheel balancing, may be required to produce a smooth ride for some cars. Although relatively rare, out-of-balance conditions in wheel covers, brake drums or rotors, or wheel to hub fitment can cause your car to need finish balancing.

If off-the-car balancing is adequate to give you a smooth ride, the additional cost of on-the-car balancing is not usually justified. Consult an experienced technician if vibration persists after off-the-car balancing.

When should wheel balancing be done?

Tyres and wheels should be balanced:

1.) When new tyres are mounted on wheels for the first time.
2.) When tyres and wheels are rotated.
3.) When used tyres are mounted on existing wheels.
4.) After flat repair.
5.) Any other time a tyre is dismounted and remounted.

Balance should also be checked at the first sign of vibration, shimmy, or unusual treadwear. Any noticeable vibration or irregular treadwear should be taken to a professional for diagnosis.

NOTES: We recommend wheel alignment and wheel balancing should be check every 10,000 km or 8,000 miles

When should wheel balancing be done?

Type of wheel balancing.

Tyre and wheel assemblies can be balanced in 2 ways:
statically and dynamically.

Static balance is also called single plane balance. Tyres are statically balanced when they are done on a bubble balancer. When an out-of-balance tyre and wheel are mounted on a freely moving spindle, any heavy spot rotates to the bottom. Weights are added to counter balance the heavy spot. Once the heacy spot has beenbalanced out, the tyre stays at any position it is placed on the spindle.

Dynamic balancing (2 plane balance) reveals whether a tyre/wheel assembly is unbalanced from side to side as well as about its center. Dynamic imbalance can result in vibration and, sometimes, a steering wheel sensation called shimmy.

Most modern tyre service location use off-the-car (off wheel balancing) computer balancing which correct for both static and dynamic imbalance.

NOTES:
1.)Radials tyres should always be dynamically balanced.
2.)Correct dynamic balance are more better result in wheel vibration and steering wheel sensation than static balance.