07 Jun Wheel Alignment: Performance Auto Tech in Corpus Christi, TX
Have you noticed a change in your car’s performance? It may be an issue with your wheel alignment. Poor wheel alignment can cause some common performance issues, like reduced fuel economy or a noisy cabin. Luckily, a qualified mechanic can easily and quickly fix wheel misalignment.
At Performance Auto Tech, our guaranteed wheel alignment services put the latest diagnostic equipment in the hands of experienced technicians. That means we can perform repairs and scheduled maintenance according to strict manufacturer’s standards — maintaining your warranty and returning your vehicle to the road swiftly and safely.
What is a Wheel Alignment?
Over time, normal wear and tear on a vehicle’s suspension can cause a car, truck, or SUV to drive off-center. A wheel alignment is a periodic diagnostic and repair that measures the angle of your tires as they turn on the road and adjusts that angle according to manufacturer guidelines.
If you notice that your vehicle is driving off center, vibrations in the steering wheel, or that your fuel economy has worsened, these may be signs that you should ask a technician about your wheel alignment.
Here’s How it Works
To find the perfect alignment, our local technicians in Corpus Christi, TX, will measure three key angles in your vehicle’s wheels: camber, toe, and caster.
- Camber. This is the inward or outward tilt of the wheels, which is visible from the front of a vehicle. Worn bearings, ball joints, and other parts of the suspension attached closely to the wheels can cause this misalignment. In severe cases, the vehicle may look like it’s shrugging or leaning.
- Toe. Toe or toe-in alignment is the angle of your tires viewed from above. Most vehicles should have a slight inward toe, meaning the front of the tire points towards the middle of the car. Adjusting the toe-in angle often fixes an off-center steering wheel.
- Caster. Your caster angle is about maintaining balance as you take tight turns and corners. This angle is difficult to recognize visually, but you can feel it as you drive. A positive caster can cause your car, truck, or SUV to pull to one side of the road. A negative caster causes overly light steering that needs constant adjustment to remain on-center.
How Often Should You Check Your Alignment?
Alignment recommendations will vary by manufacturer, but you should usually check your wheel alignment twice a year — once before and once after the winter season.
By regularly checking your vehicle’s alignment, you’re ensuring that your car is safe to drive. This will also reduce wear and tear on critical components like your vehicle’s suspension and tires.
Schedule A Wheel Alignment Service
Do you think your car, truck, or SUV may have an alignment issue? Schedule a local appointment with one of our professional auto repair technicians at Performance Auto Tech in Corpus Christi, TX.