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TIRE CARE
ALIGNMENT
For improved overall performance and extended tire tread life under
various driving conditions and speeds, it is imperative that the tires
be in proper alignment with the vehicle. Poor or improper alignment occurs
when the suspension and steering systems are out of adjustment.
Several factors may be involved with poor alignment. Be aware that customers
tend to replace tires rather than correct the real problem—alignment. The
result can be a dissatisfied customer who switches from one tire manufacturer
to the next with the same result and eventually goes elsewhere to buy
new tires.
For most vehicles, poor alignment results in excessive and/or uneven tire
wear. Improper alignment can reduce a tire's life by more than 70%.
Improper Alignment and Correction
Poor or improper alignment typically results in a variety of abnormal
treadwear patterns that are "readable." These clues often point to one or
more sources of the problem that can be measured and corrected. But before
taking any alignment measurements, check the following:
- Proper inflation of each tire: Pressure over or under recommended
levels will affect some alignment measurements.
- Ride height: Ride height is the distance between the vehicle's frame
and the road. Because all alignment specifications are relationships
between various suspension components, ride height becomes the reference
point for all alignment measurements. Therefore, proper alignment is not
possible if ride height is higher or lower than factory ride height
specifications.
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