Honda Wheel Alignment Service near Dayton, OH
Whether you have thousands of miles on your current set of tires or you’ve just bought a brand new set, having your wheels properly aligned is a critical aspect of maximizing the lifespan of your tires. If your wheels are out of alignment, some of the symptoms you may experience include uneven tire wear, a harsher ride, and compromised handling characteristics. In order to provide you with a better understanding of how the wheel alignment process works along with the advantages of getting your wheels aligned, Germain Honda of Beavercreek has created this informative quick reference guide.
Wheel Alignment Explained
Vehicle alignment refers to how the vehicle’s suspension geometry is adjusted. To phrase it another way, this process is the adjustment of the system which connects your vehicle to its wheels. Having your wheels and tires positioned at the correct angles means that they will contact the road properly. In total, there are three individual components involved in proper wheel alignment. Explained below, all three work in harmony to achieve correct wheel alignment.
Camber – Looking at your vehicle at the front, camber is the inward or outward angle of your tires. In the event that this angle is skewed too far inward or outward, additional stress is taking a harsh toll on your bearings, ball joints, and other suspension parts. You’ll also notice accelerated tire wear which cascades from the inside edge towards the outside edge.
Toe – While the concept is similar to camber in theory, toe angle is measured by viewing your vehicle from overhead. A good way to understand this concept is to look down at your feet when you’re standing up. If you point your toes inward towards the center of your body, this is similar to toe-in alignment on your car. Pointing them outward away from your body does the exact opposite. On your vehicle, you want all four of your wheels pointed straight ahead.
Caster – Caster is the angle of your steering axis when looking at your vehicle from the side. It’s responsible for steering, cornering, and stability when you’re in motion. Positive caster indicates the steering axis is pointed towards the driver. On the other hand, negative caster means that the steering axis is pointed away from the driver.
Signs or Symptoms of Improper Wheel Alignment
Do you have some concerns about the wheel alignment of your Honda? Fortunately, there are a variety of common indications that your vehicle might need some attention from the team of expert technicians at Germain Honda of Beavercreek.
VEHICLE PULLING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT – When driving in a straight line, does your vehicle have a tendency to pull to one side? If so, it’s likely time for an alignment.
UNEVEN TIRE WEAR – Take a moment to inspect the tread of your tires. Do they have more tread on the inner or outer edge compared to the center? Are there any strange patterns or marks in the tread compounds? If so, this is a very common sign that your vehicle needs an alignment.
STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION – Caused by either uneven tire wear or damaged suspension components, a vibration felt in your steering wheel is yet another sign of a vehicle alignment problem.
OFF-CENTER STEERING WHEEL – Have you noticed that your steering wheel is turned to the left or right slightly when you’re driving straight? It’s time to let a factory-certified Honda technician inspect your vehicle.
Wheel Alignments at Germain Honda of Beavercreek
Trusting Germain Honda of Beavercreek with your wheel alignment needs means that you can drive with complete confidence from knowing that your Honda will receive expert care and attention from factory-trained technicians who know your vehicle inside and out. Our facility is also equipped with the latest wheel alignment machines, tools, and diagnostic equipment to properly identify and correct any wheel alignment problems that your Honda may currently be experiencing. Don’t trust just any repair shop for your next wheel alignment. You can count on our team of service professionals at Germain Honda of Beavercreek.