Alignments, Steering and Suspension
What is a wheel alignment and why your vehicle may need one?
When potholes, curbs, and even routine road wear knock your car wheels out of alignment, the results can range from the tires that wear prematurely to poor handling.
Alignments
A car alignment is actually an elaborate process that brings the car's suspension into its proper configuration, positioning and adjusting components so that wheels are aligned with one another and the road surface. The alignment should be performed by an experienced mechanic, who uses an alignment machine.
Newer alignment machines like ours, Hunter Hawkeye Alignment Machine, feature clamplike devices that are attached to the wheels of the car (which is raised up in the air) and that link to a computer that helps make precise measurements. The mechanic will also take this opportunity to make sure that no suspension components are excessively worn or broken.
An alignment essentially requires squaring a car's wheels and axles with each other so that they're moving in the same direction. The mechanic adjusts the various suspension angles -- known as toe, thrust, camber and caster -- that influence tire movement and position. The technician will also ensure that the steering wheel is centered.
Each car's manufacturer designates standard angles for the alignment, specified in degrees. If you're a driver of a high-performance car or sports car, your mechanic may be able to align your suspension to improve handling and tire performance, but such an alignment still may lead to uneven tire wear.
After the alignment is complete, you will receive an alignment spec print out that shows before and after images of the suspension alignment.
When Should You Get an Alignment?
• Your tires or tread are worn on one edge—the surest sign of misaligned wheels.
• Your vehicle pulls left or right when you’re cruising a straight, smooth road.
• Your steering wheel shimmies, feels loose, or is hard to turn.
• When you replace your tires.
• Any suspension work is done to the vehicle.
Steering and Suspension
Your suspension system provides driving comfort by smoothing out bumps in the road and traction by keeping the wheels on the ground as much as possible. Over time, parts of your suspension could wear out or break completely. Continued driving with worn out or broken suspension can have
Steering problems are potentially extremely dangerous, as your car will not perform as you expect during an emergency. Possible problems include: increased difficulty when steering; steering wheel feeling loose or vibrating; steering wheel pulling to the left or right; car leaning to one side or the other during acceleration or braking; and uneven or premature wear on your tires.
At Island Street Automotive we service all steering and suspension components making sure your vehicle is safe for you and your passengers.