Wheel Alignment Research Review: Boost Tire Life, Safety, And Handling

“Are Wheel Alignments Necessary?”

Absolutely. Regular wheel alignments are required for optimal vehicle performance, fuel economy, and tire tread life.

But don’t take our word for it—read on to review research on the importance of regular wheel alignments, or contact your local TIRECRAFT to get a free quote on this essential maintenance service.

Research Review: The Importance Of Regular Wheel Alignments

Wheel alignment experiments by the International Conference on Mechanical, Industrial, and Energy Engineering revealed that:

• Timely wheel alignments increase tire life substantially, reducing the risks of uneven wear caused by tire drag and uneven weight distributions.
• Timely wheel alignments increase vehicle mileage, reducing demands on the engine by eliminating extra rolling resistance caused by tire drag.
• Timely wheel alignments enhance fuel economy by eliminating excess rolling resistance caused by tire drag. Das et al. (2018) also found vehicles with proper alignment engaged in less emergency braking maneuvers, likely due to better handling and responsiveness to driver inputs. On average, vehicles with proper wheel alignment saw an increase of 8-10% in fuel efficiency.
• Timely wheel alignments reduce wear on suspension systems, preventing uneven suspension wear caused by improper weight distribution.
• Timely wheel alignments improve driver comfort, reducing bumpy rides and excess road noise caused by tire drag and rattling suspension parts.

In light of these findings, one thing is clear: wheel alignments deserve a place in your preventative maintenance plan. But what is considered a “timely” wheel alignment?

At TIRECRAFT, we recommend scheduling a wheel alignment service after every 12 months or 20,000km of driving, and after any collisions, tire changes, or seriously rough rides over speed bumps, potholes, or curbs. Additionally, you should book a wheel alignment if:

• Your steering wheel isn’t centered while driving straight
• Your vehicle pulls to one side or the other
• Your vehicle’s handling feels loose
• Your tires show signs of uneven wear

Unfortunately, according to the Tire and Rubber Association’s 2018 Omni Report, over one-third (34%) of Canadians are not scheduling wheel alignments as often as recommended.

Only 66% of drivers are following the manufacturer’s recommendations for annual wheel alignment services (TRAC, 2018).

That means 34% of Canadians are currently at risk of shortened tread life, reduced fuel economy, and handling issues. If you’re among them, you need to act soon to protect your treads and warranty coverage. And your local TIRECRAFT can help—click here to get a free quote on warranty-safe service.

Get A Free Quote On A Professional Wheel Alignment: Contact TIRECRAFT

With 300+ TIRECRAFT locations across the country, finding qualified wheel alignment experts is easier than ever. To get a free quote on your next wheel alignment service and start banking customer rewards points today, get in touch with a TIRECRAFT tech near you.

References

Das, R., Hossain, A., & Islam, T. (2018). Experimental study on wheel alignment system of light vehicles. International Conference on Mechanical, Industrial and Energy Engineering.

TRAC. (2018). Omni report. Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.

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