You don't have to be a mechanic to know your tires are one of the most essential parts of your car. However, not everyone knows how vital tire or wheel alignment is. Alignment refers to the direction your tires are positioned and how they're attached to the car. While it may sound simple, this aspect can impact your car's performance, longevity, and safety. Learn more about this process and why it's so crucial below.

What Gets Checked During an Alignment?

During a wheel alignment, your mechanic will check a few different factors. The first is the camber, or the way your wheels tilt—inward or outward—when viewed from the front. Wheels should be vertically even without being angled in either direction.

Toe alignment is the second aspect that’ll be checked and, while this is similar to camber, there is one distinction. Rather than seeing how your tires are angled from the front, toe alignment checks how they're angled from above. Once again, they should not be tilted inward or outward.

The final aspect that will be checked is the caster axis, which is the angle of your tires when viewed from the side. This measures the distance from the top of the tire to the suspension above it.

Why Does Wheel Alignment Matter?

When you take your car to get an alignment, you're taking part in an essential part of preventive maintenance. If a vehicle's wheels are correctly aligned from the front, side, and top, the car will steer straight and there will be no pulling to one side while the vehicle is in motion. Since proper alignment makes your vehicle easier to control, it also minimizes the chance you'll need auto repair for flat tires, bent axles, or damaged bearings.

When you need a skilled mechanic to perform auto repair or maintenance, choose Cabarrus Import Service in Concord, NC. For over two decades, this auto specialist has been providing servicing and repairs using the top technology in the industry. To schedule a service, visit them online or call (704) 793-4122.