How Does Wheel Alignment Affect a Vehicle?

Affects Vehicle Handling

Wheel alignment is a critical component of a car's handling capabilities. Wheel alignment refers to the angles and positions of the car tires in relation to the ground. A car that has proper wheel alignment will drive much easier. The wheels will be angled and positioned in a straight-ahead manner enabling a car to be driven in a straight line much easier.

Wheel Alignment Influences Tire Wear

Tires are an important part of a car. A car's wheel alignment directly influences the longevity and functionality of a car's tires. Improperly aligned wheels put extra stress on a car's tires and greatly increases the rate at which tire tread wears out. A misaligned wheel strikes the ground at an abnormal and wear-inducing angle. Proper wheel alignment is necessary to ensure the longevity of a car's tires.

Wheel Alignment Affects Gas Mileage

As a car is driven along the highway, the contact between the pavement and the car tires produces friction. This friction is constantly putting a strain on the car's engine. A car with improperly aligned wheels experiences increased friction between the roadway surface and its tires due to the angles and positions of the misaligned tires. Tires that are not pointing straight but either slightly inward or slightly outward cause extra friction. This extra friction negatively impact a car's gas mileage.

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