In the normal course of its operation, your vehicle will encounter many bumps on the road. Over time, these bumps and potholes can damage the suspension and steering components, leaving your vehicle unsafe and unable to properly respond to driver inputs. This is why many Circleville, OH, drivers opt for regular wheel alignment services, which can correct the damage which has built up over time and keep your car steering straight again.

At Gordon CDJR, we are proud to offer excellent service and authentic Mopar OEM replacement parts for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles. Our team is trained to perform many different types of tasks, from simple oil or tire changes to complex transmission or auto work. So if your vehicle is in need of repair, or if it is just time for a tune-up or annual maintenance, let the service professionals at Gordon CDJR help you take care of your ride.

Why Wheel Alignment is Important

Wheel alignment involves adjusting the vehicle’s suspension so that the tires contact the road at the desired point and angle. Wheel alignment can help fix vehicle ride smoothness, as well as problems with balancing and handling. Furthermore, vehicles with properly adjusted wheel contact angles are more efficient, saving drivers money at the pump.

Some drivers ask if wheel alignment is the same thing as tire balancing, or if they are different services. Tire balancing is a separate but related process to wheel alignment, focused on correcting weight imbalances between the wheels and tires on the vehicle. During a tire balancing service, the mechanic installs weights on the wheels to even out the vehicle’s ride character. Many repair shops perform tire balancing and wheel alignment as part of the same repair, as both phenomena have similar effects and require similar equipment to fix.

When You Should Get Wheel Alignment

For best results from wheel alignment, drivers should opt to have the service performed annually. This is the best way for drivers to get the most for their money while still ensuring that the car stays safe to drive. However, drivers who often find themselves driving on unpaved or poor-quality road surfaces should opt to have a wheel alignment performed more frequently.

Types of Wheel Alignment

There are three primary types of wheel misalignment which Washington Court House area drivers may observe in their vehicles:

Camber Misalignment

If the tires are leaning at an angle when viewed from the front of the vehicle, this is camber misalignment.

Caster Misalignment

Caster misalignment is seen from the side of the car, and describes the angle of the vehicle’s steering axis as it contacts the road.

Toe Misalignment

Toe misalignment is wheel tilt in or out from the centerline of the vehicle as viewed from above or below. Tire wear patterns can also indicate what type of misalignment the vehicle has.

All three types of wheel misalignment have implications for vehicle performance, fuel efficiency and safety.

The Wheel Alignment Process

The wheel alignment process is a relatively basic form of vehicle service. It is similar to services such as tire rotations, in that both services are simple ways of helping the car interact with the road more safely and easily.

Step 1

The technician test drives the vehicle, noting any handling issues or shaking they encounter. These can give clues to how the alignment will need to proceed.

Step 2

The technician mounts the vehicle on an alignment machine and tests the angle of the steering and suspension components.

Step 3

The technician adjusts the components to fit within the manufacturer’s recommended ranges.

Step 4

After a final test drive to check the work, the wheel alignment is finished.

Cost of Wheel Alignment

Most wheel alignment services cost between $50 and $150 or more. The cost can vary depending on factors such as whether both axles need to be aligned or the kinds of equipment needed for the alignment. For example, luxury vehicles often require specialized and expensive wheel alignment equipment.

Gordon CDJR offers various valuable service specials which drivers can use to save on key vehicle services. Our offerings change frequently, so check back often.

Questions to Ask Your Service Technician

Before having a wheel alignment service done, note any uneven tire wear patterns to the service technician. Confirm with the technician how many wheels need to be aligned.

Drivers should also ask whether further work on the suspension is needed once the alignment is conducted. Remember that some signs of misaligned wheels can also indicate more serious suspension failures.

Signs of a Quality Wheel Alignment

A properly conducted wheel alignment will give the driver a vehicle which rides smoother and is more fuel efficient than before. Vibrations or high fuel consumption can be signs of poor vehicle wheel alignment.

Caring for Your Vehicle After Wheel Alignment

Careful driving is a great way to get the most out of a wheel alignment service. By slowing down and being careful on rough or unpaved roads, drivers can let the effects of their wheel alignment service last longer.

Look out for the tires developing uneven wear patterns over time, such as one side losing its tread faster than the other. This can be a symptom that further alignment is needed soon.

Contact Our Service Department in Washington Court House, OH

Annual wheel alignment is an important service for drivers to get into the habit of scheduling. Wheel alignment helps the car ride smoother and save gas at the pump, making the entire ownership experience more enjoyable. Furthermore, regular wheel alignment helps drivers avoid problematic suspension issues further down the line. Wheel alignment and the related tire balancing are good ways to keep your car safer and more responsive on the roads of Ohio.

Gordon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is proud to serve drivers in Washington Court House, OH, and beyond with their vehicle needs. We offer a broad selection of new, used and certified pre-owned models from top automakers. Our finance professionals are devoted to helping Ohio families and contractors find affordable payment options on their vehicles. And our knowledgeable service technicians can help you understand what your car, truck or SUV needs to perform at its best. So visit us at 1120 Clinton Ave. in Washington Court House, OH, or call us at (740) 335-3700 to learn more or to schedule a test drive.