Anyone who owns a vehicle will know that wheel alignment is one of those services that is considered important to prevent an accident caused due to loss of car body control. For the same reason, wheel alignment is included in the preventive maintenance services in the automobile industry.
It is a service, which is offered in every auto service center, whether it is a private one, or a center authorized by a dealership. But like any other service, the procedure of wheel alignment might vary a little, depending upon the mechanics who finally engage their hands on it. If you avail the service from a place like the Flagstaff wheel alignment center, you can get to see how the certified and factory-trained mechanics execute the wheel alignment service. But, do not fret. If you are yet to experience the same until now, we are here to brief the entire procedure for you right here, so that you can have a rough knowledge in advance, before you visit the auto repair shop for the same service next time.
Wheel Diagnosis
At a dealership authorized auto service center, you will invariably see the mechanics taking a vehicle straight for the department of diagnosis, where each and every compartment of a vehicle would be mechanically checked and a proper diagnosis will be done to know the condition of the wheels and tires before they go ahead with the wheel alignment procedure. In this entire process of diagnosis, the alignment of each wheel is checked minutely. The diagnosis also tells in its report which of the wheels are worst affected. Depending upon the diagnosis report, the wheel alignment process starts.
They measure both the front and the rear end of the car and see the conditions of both the axles that interact with each other. In cases, where the connection between the two axles is not stable, it will be a sign that the steering wheel will not have the perfect centering response.
The main procedure that is required to be followed during executing wheel alignment service, are:
- Starting from the rear end,
- Adjust the Camber, in which sometimes an optional gauge might be required.
- Then adjust the Toe.
- Once done, they will then move on to the front wheels, and repeat the same tasks like adjusting the Castor and the Camber and finish the work by adjusting the front Toe.
- Inspect the steering wheel and the suspension system,
- Check the tire condition as well as their air pressure
- Place the said vehicle on the alignment rack,
- Mount the car and check out the calibrated sensors
- Determine the initial settings of wheel alignment
- Then again adjust the camber, the caster, and the toe angles
- Take out the final readings of the wheel alignment
Reasons Why Car Wheels Need Re-Alignment Service
Driving a vehicle for a long period of time automatically loosens down the joints of the wheels and their connection to their axles. Sometimes, exhaustive off-road driving can cause the same. Other times, unpredictable encounters with potholes damage the wheel-axle connection. Therefore, every six months, or after a serious off-road drive, the wheel alignment service is recommended for every vehicle, suggested the team of mechanics who offer wheel alignment service in Flagstaff.