Candido's Garage provides Wheel Alignment services to Orange, CA, Anaheim, CA, Santa Ana, CA, and other surrounding areas.

The Purpose of Wheel Alignments in Vehicle Maintenance

A wheel alignment involves readjusting the angles of the wheels after alteration occurs from either regular wear and tear on the suspension components or collisions with obstacles such as pot holes. During this service, the alignment technician adjusts the angles of the wheels so they are within the proper specifications for your vehicle make and model. Contrary to common belief, a proper alignment does not always mean setting the wheel angles to zero. Instead, it requires adjusting them to the specific measurements provided by the car manufacturer.

There are three angles that are most associated with alignment: camber, toe, and caster. Camber is the angle of the wheel in relation to the vertical direction when viewed from the front or back of the car; it affects tire wear and cornering stability. Toe refers to the direction the tires point relative to each other when viewed from above and impacts how straight the wheels roll. Caster, viewed from the side of the vehicle, is the angle of the steering axis and influences the steering stability and cornering. These angles are adjusted during an alignment to ensure optimal tire contact with the road, improving vehicle safety and performance.

How Misalignment Occurs and Its Consequences

Misalignment occurs for many reasons. Driving inevitably leads to wear and tear on your vehicle's suspension and steering components, which can alter wheel angles. Pot holes are another reason. Although modern cars are designed to withstand the occasional bump and scrape, potholes can and often do lead to alignment issues. Similarly, accidents and bumping into curbs can cause the vehicle to go out of alignment.

Misaligned wheels result in uneven tire wear and a decrease in driving comfort and safety. Additionally, wheels that are out of alignment can strain your car's steering and suspension systems, leading to repairs.

Why Routine Wheel Alignment Checks Are Necessary

Having your wheel alignment checked periodically is vital for maintaining your vehicle's health and performance. Regular alignment inspections will identify misalignment when it is slight and before it leads to more significant issues, saving you money and contributing to a safer driving experience. It's especially important to have your alignment checked when installing new tires to give them the best chance to reach their advertised mileage. In addition, if your tires come with a guarantee from the manufacturer, it may require certain upkeep services on your end that include having an alignment performed with the installation.

Even when there aren't noticeable symptoms, misaligned wheels can silently damage your tires and impact your car's overall functionality. When misalignment occurs at small increments over time, it is difficult to spot it without an alignment inspection since the change to your driving experience is gradual. This is another reason why it is important to check your tires regularly. If you catch irregular wear or notice the tread wearing at a faster rate than what seems normal, bring your vehicle to a tire and alignment shop in Orange, CA, like Candido's Garage, to have it checked.

Choose Candido's Garage for Professional Wheel Alignment Services in Orange, CA

At Candido's Garage, we provide two-wheel and four-wheel alignment services using advanced technology and equipment. Located in Orange, CA, our team has the expertise to perform alignments on all types of vehicles. We're no strangers to what happens to tires when a vehicle isn't in alignment, having seen our fair share of misaligned vehicles over time. That's why we want to make sure everything is how it should be on your vehicle. Visit us when you need a wheel alignment shop in Orange, CA.

Candido's Garage keeps customers rolling in Orange, CA; Anaheim, CA; Santa Ana, CA; and surrounding areas.