The Importance of Tyre Alignment and Balancing For Your Car

Tyre alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Proper alignment ensures even tyre wear, optimal fuel efficiency, and improved vehicle handling. Tyre balancing, on the other hand, evens out weight distribution around the wheel and tyre assembly to eliminate vibrations and provide a smoother ride. Both are essential for safety, as misaligned or unbalanced tyres can lead to accidents, premature tyre wear, and discomfort for passengers.

What Causes Improper/Bad Tyre Alignment?

Improper or bad tyre alignment can occur due to various factors, including:

• Road Conditions: Driving over potholes, uneven road surfaces, or debris can jolt the suspension system and knock the wheels out of alignment.
• Vehicle Accidents: Collisions or impacts with curbs and other obstacles can cause misalignment of the wheels and suspension components.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, normal wear and tear on suspension and steering components can lead to gradual misalignment.
• Suspension Modifications: Altering suspension components, such as installing aftermarket parts or lowering kits, without proper realignment can result in improper wheel alignment.
• Incorrect Adjustment: Improper adjustment during previous alignment procedures can lead to misalignment issues.
• Uneven Tyre Wear: Uneven tyre wear patterns, often caused by improper inflation, can also cause misalignment problems and contribute to further misalignment if not addressed promptly.

What Are the Signs of Misaligned Tyres?

Recognising the signs of misaligned tyres is crucial for maintaining safe driving conditions and prolonging the lifespan of your vehicle's tyres and other components. Several warning signs can indicate that your wheels are not properly aligned, such as:

• Uneven Tread Wear: Misaligned tyres can cause uneven tread wear patterns, such as excessive wear on the inner or outer edges of the tyre, indicating a need for alignment adjustment.
• Vehicle Pulling on One Side: When wheels are misaligned, the vehicle may pull to one side while driving due to the uneven distribution of forces among the tyres.
• Off-centre Steering Wheel: Misalignment can cause the steering wheel to be off-centre when driving straight.
• Steering Wheel Vibration: In most cases, misaligned tyres can cause excessive vibrations in the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds.

Main Aspects of Tyre Alignment

Tyre alignment is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance, ensuring that the wheels are properly positioned relative to each other and the road surface. This alignment affects various aspects of driving performance, including tyre wear, handling, and fuel efficiency. The three main aspects of tyre alignment include:

Camber

Camber refers to the vertical tilt or the inward or outward angle of the wheel when viewed from the front or rear. A tyre with zero camber is perfectly perpendicular to the ground, while a positive camber tilts outward from the vehicle and a negative camber tilts inward. Proper camber alignment ensures even tyre contact with the road surface, promoting uniform tyre wear and maximising traction during cornering.

Toe

Toe alignment refers to the inward or outward angle of the wheels when viewed from above. Toe-in occurs when the leading edges of the wheels are closer together than the trailing edges, while toe-out is the opposite. Proper toe alignment ensures the tyres are parallel, to each other and the vehicle's direction of travel. It contributes to straight-line stability, reduces tyre scrubbing, and minimises rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency.

Caster

Caster alignment refers to the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side. Positive caster occurs when the steering axis tilts towards the rear of the vehicle, while negative caster leans towards the front. Caster primarily affects steering stability, self-centring, and steering effort.

How Is Tyre Alignment and Balancing Done?

Tyre alignment and balancing are two distinct but complementary procedures performed by automotive technicians to ensure optimal performance and safety of a vehicle's tyres and suspension system.

Tyre Alignment

• Initial Inspection: The technician inspects the vehicle's suspension, steering, and tyres for signs of wear or damage.
• Alignment Measurement: Specialised alignment equipment measures the angles of the wheels (camber, toe, and caster) relative to each other and the vehicle's chassis.
• Adjustment: Based on the measurements and manufacturer specifications, adjustments are made to the suspension components to achieve proper alignment.
• Test Drive: Finally, the technician typically performs a test drive to ensure that the vehicle handles properly and that there are no signs of pulling or uneven steering.

Tyre Balancing

• Wheel Mounting: The technician removes each wheel and tyre assembly from the vehicle and mounts it onto a balancing machine.
• Initial Balance: The machine spins the wheel to determine any weight imbalances, then calculates the amount and location of counterweights needed to achieve proper balance.
• Counterweight Installation: Small counterweights are attached to the wheel rim in specific locations to offset any imbalances identified during the initial balance.
• Final Balance Check: The wheel is spun again to confirm that it is properly balanced. Additional adjustments may be made if necessary to achieve optimal balance.
• Wheel Installation: Once balanced, the wheels are remounted onto the vehicle, and the lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.

Benefits of Proper Tyre Alignment and Balancing

Tyre alignment and balancing are essential maintenance procedures that offer a range of benefits to vehicle owners. Some of their benefits include:

Improved Fuel Efficiency: Properly aligned and balanced tyres reduce rolling resistance – the force required to move tyres along the road surface – so your vehicle requires less energy to move forward, thus improving fuel efficiency.

Longer Tyre Life: By ensuring proper alignment and balancing, you can distribute the forces evenly across the tread, promoting uniform wear and extending the lifespan of your tyres.

Improved Vehicle Steering: Proper alignment ensures that the wheels are positioned correctly relative to each other and the vehicle's chassis. This alignment improves overall vehicle stability and enhances driver control.

Smoother Ride: Tyre balancing reduces vibrations caused by uneven weight distribution around the wheel and tyre assembly to ensure a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience.

Fewer Auto Repairs: By keeping your tyres aligned and balanced, you prevent unnecessary wear on suspension and steering systems, saving you money on repairs in the long run.

Preserved Tyre Warranty Coverage: Many tyre manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance, including alignment and balancing, to honour warranty claims. Following these procedures ensures your tyres stay warranty-eligible in case of defects or premature wear.

Final Thoughts

Investing in regular alignment and balancing services is a wise decision that not only saves you money in the long run but also contributes to safer and more comfortable driving experiences. Generally, it is recommended to check your tyre alignment and balancing every 16,000 km and whenever you change your tyres, especially when you notice signs of improper tyre alignment and balancing.

Our team of technicians at AL Tyres have the expertise, experience, and specialised equipment to accurately assess and adjust your tyre’s alignment and balance to manufacturer specifications. Entrust your vehicle to us to keep it running smoothly and safely. Call our tyre shop in Singapore at (65) 8418 1000 to schedule a tyre alignment and balancing service today.