Adjusting the SAVOR

Wheel alignment – alignment: what is it and why is it important?

Wheel alignment, also known as camber adjustment, is a mechanical adjustment of the suspension system (the part that connects the wheels to the car) to ensure that the wheels are positioned correctly. This process is essential because misaligned wheels can lead to problems such as rapid or uneven tyre wear, increased fuel consumption, impaired driving comfort, and negatively affect the car’s handling.

What symptoms indicate when a torsion adjustment is needed?

One of the signs that your car may need a torsional adjustment is if it is constantly pulling to one side or the other.
The steering wheel can also give you clues that you need a steering adjustment, for example: if the steering wheel is not in the middle position when you drive straight, or if there are vibrations when you drive straight on a flat road.

Tyre tread depths can sometimes be visually inspected to detect problems with traction.
While the vehicle is stationary, you can measure the tread depths at different points on the tyre, if the inner or outer edge of the tyre is more worn, this may indicate that the alignment needs to be adjusted.

How is wheel alignment done?

Adjusting the torsion is certainly not a project you can do well on your own without prior experience.
The process involves adjusting the camber and toe correctly to ensure the vehicle meets the manufacturer’s specification, which will not always be a perfectly straight 0 degree wheel alignment.

Most modern cars have three main things that are regulated in the twisting process.

Tilt and Tilt adjustment

The camber adjustment changes whether the wheel will be tilted inwards or outwards depending on the car specification.
It is important to adjust the camber correctly to ensure that the car listens safely to the steering wheel.
A positive or negative camber angle can have a negative effect on tyre wear and the car’s handling characteristics.

Weight and Torsion adjustment

The angle of twist is what most people first associate with twist adjustment.
It affects the angle at which the wheels are positioned, relative to the direction the car is travelling and relative to each other.
Your wheels should not be excessively “skewed” or “cambered”, their angles should match the manufacturer’s specifications.
It is problems with camber that can most quickly damage you tyre tread by unevenly splitting them or even ripping chunks out.

Casters

The angle of the wheels indicates how far forward or back (towards or away from the driver) the steering axis is positioned. The steering axis is the line between the upper and lower joints of the wheel. Most vehicles have a positive caster, meaning that the steering axis is tilted towards the driver, resulting in increased steering effort for better straight-ahead stability.

How much does it cost to adjust the Alignment?

The cost of a wheel alignment can vary depending on a number of factors: for example, whether your car can be aligned on both axles, the size of the car – car, SUV or commercial vehicle.
The price of a car alignment is usually between €30-45.

Is the Alignment adjustment necessary?

Attention!
Poor alignment can cause accelerated or uneven tyre wear and seriously affect the tyre’s grip on the road, especially in winter conditions. In severe cases, this can lead to significant tyre damage, which is why it’s recommended to check the alignment regularly.

Money Saving:
Accelerated tyre wear means you’ll need to change your tyres more frequently and spend more money, so adjusting your alignment can help you save in the long run. An incorrectly adjusted alignment can cause the vehicle to pull to one side or the other, creating additional braking forces that increase rolling resistance and, consequently, the vehicle’s fuel consumption. Improperly adjusted alignment can also make the vehicle jerk or cause unpleasant vibrations.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I adjust my Self?

There is no exact formula for how often to adjust the torsion, it depends on driving conditions and habits.
Many mechanics recommend checking the alignment after every time the car has been serviced or at every tyre change.
If your car has low-profile tyres that absorb less shock when driving on bumpy roads, to save tyres – and therefore money – we recommend checking your car’s alignment more often.

The main car repairs and maintenance tasks for which a camber adjustment is recommended – after tyre changes, any rolling component/suspension system part changes or repairs and various accidents, incl.
After major impacts such as a pothole or collision with another obstacle.
One indicator that the alignment should be checked is if the tyre or rim is flat.
It is likely that this type of impact will have ‘knocked out’ the geometry of the car’s suspension and will need adjusting.

How long does it take to adjust the torsion?

The procedure is not time-consuming and usually takes an hour or less.
Exceptional cases where the adjustment will take a little longer could be if the mechanic finds broken or worn parts in the suspension system, in which case it will take longer to replace these parts.

How long is a restraint good for?

Again, there is no magic number for how long a tether lasts.
It depends on how and where you drive your car every day.
Vehicles driven at higher speeds and more aggressively, or on rough roads, will need more frequent adjustments, while cars driven more conservatively may need less frequent checks.

What happens if the wheel alignment is not adjusted?

If the wheel alignment is not adjusted, tyres can wear much faster and more unevenly, so it is good practice to check the alignment regularly.
Uneven tyre wear can affect safety and make journeys less comfortable.
Incorrect alignment also means that tyres will need to be replaced sooner than expected.
You can easily work out whether to spend around €30 on a tyre alignment, or to change tyres much more frequently, often costing more than €800-1000 per set.   

How Quickly Do Tyres with Poor Alignment Wear?

Tyre wear caused by alignment problems depends on the severity of the issue. Over time, even a small problem can shorten a tyre’s lifespan by as much as ten to twenty thousand kilometres. In contrast, a significant misalignment can lead to excessive wear or chunks being torn from a tyre within just a few hundred kilometres if not corrected in time.

Can incorrect wheel geometry cause vibrations?

Yes, of course.
If the wheels are positioned incorrectly, this can have a number of consequences for the car’s performance and feel, such as: a steering wheel that vibrates, or the whole car shakes.
Vibrations in a car contribute to the faster wear of any component, especially suspension components.
MMK recommends having your alignment adjusted at least once a year, which will help both save money and provide driving comfort and safety.