Three Isn’t a Crowd
A "third wheel" generally isn't a positive label because it's used when an extra guest interferes with two who had plans only with one another. When it comes to wheel alignment, however, you might want to rethink the relationship. There's a lot to be said for having you, your vehicle, and an ASE/ATRA certified technician from West Automotive Group in Miramar, California, working in unison. That's because your auto's wheel alignment impacts your comfort and safety, and we fix the wheel alignment. Thus, the old saying that "three's a crowd" doesn't hold up in this case. Let our team be your partner in wheel alignment and all related suspension repairs.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is the working relationship between the vehicle, its wheels, and its axles. It's important to your auto's ability to work as it should. It allows you to experience a smoother ride. More importantly, it ensures the mechanical fitness that facilitates your handling of the car, particularly as you steer and corner. Other components sustain less wear when the vehicle is in proper alignment, as well. An alignment specialist may perform a front-end, all-wheel, or thrust alignment depending on the type of automobile you drive and any detected problems. They will then adjust the suspension angles as appropriate. These include camber, caster, toe, and thrust. Camber refers to the amount of tilt to the left or right when the car is viewed from the front. Caster is the slope of a line that could be drawn through the upper and lower ball joints. The difference in distance between the front and back of your auto's front tires is toe. Finally, thrust is the relationship between the front wheels and the rear axle.
How Is Wheel Alignment Performed?
Perhaps you're wondering how your service technician will take care of wheel alignment problems. First, he/she will check to see if the major suspension angles are accurate. You may also hear some people say that an alignment specialist checks to see if the wheels are "squared up." This requires accurate measurements, usually done using computerized equipment facilitated by placing a clamp at each wheel. The clamp holds a camera, reflector, and LEDs. The alignment machine's computer system then calculates the data from the measurements, creating results and a model for the technician. Angles are corrected through a process of careful, controlled pushing and pulling. Once all angles are back within the manufacturer's allowed tolerances, the process is complete. A high level of precision is essential, but you won't have a heightened level of worry if you entrust your car to West Automotive Group in Miramar, CA.
