Most vehicle owners and car drivers probably think that when their vehicle pulls to one side or the other, there is a car alignment problem. When wheels are not properly aligned, engine performance, tire wear, smoothness of the ride, and other vehicle components can all be adversely affected.
The longer a car is driven without attention to proper car alignment, the larger the expense of the repair will be when the issues are finally corrected. According to research, the average automobile is driven about 15,000 miles per year. If you drive your misaligned car 15,000 miles without repair, the resulting wear on tires alone is the equivalent of the car dragging the tires sideways for over 68 miles. It's wise and financially prudent to repair your car alignment problems early.
Wheel Balancing: However, if your vehicle vibrates while driving, it may simply need a wheel balancing.
Generally, tires that are out-of-balance will cause a vehicle to vibrate at certain speeds; usually between 50 and 70 mph. When one section of the tire is heavier than the others, it is more than likely out-of-balance. One ounce of imbalance on a front tire is enough to cause a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel at about 60mph. To balance a wheel, the technician will mount it on a balancing machine which spins the wheel to locate the heavier part. He will then compensate for the heavy part by attaching a lead weight on the opposite side. Many people are pleasantly surprised at how smooth their car drives after balancing all four wheels.
Most high quality tires will hold their balance fairly well. Any out-of-balance problem usually happens very gradually. So, if you notice a vibration that wasn't there the day before, it is possible that one of the lead balancing weights fell off. The problem is most likely in a front wheel if you feel the vibration mostly in the steering wheel. If you feel the vibration mostly in the seat, the problem is probably in the rear wheel.
Take Note: Ignoring problems will likely require you to prematurely replace tires and other vehicle parts.
If you're not sure whether your vehicle is in need of a wheel balancing or a car alignment, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned automotive repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
Most vehicle owners and car drivers probably think that when their vehicle pulls to one side or the other, there is a car alignment problem. When wheels are not properly aligned, engine performance, tire wear, smoothness of the ride, and other vehicle components can all be adversely affected.
The longer a car is driven without attention to proper car alignment, the larger the expense of the repair will be when the issues are finally corrected. According to research, the average automobile is driven about 15,000 miles per year. If you drive your misaligned car 15,000 miles without repair, the resulting wear on tires alone is the equivalent of the car dragging the tires sideways for over 68 miles. It's wise and financially prudent to repair your car alignment problems early.
Wheel Balancing: However, if your vehicle vibrates while driving, it may simply need a wheel balancing.
Generally, tires that are out-of-balance will cause a vehicle to vibrate at certain speeds; usually between 50 and 70 mph. When one section of the tire is heavier than the others, it is more than likely out-of-balance. One ounce of imbalance on a front tire is enough to cause a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel at about 60mph. To balance a wheel, the technician will mount it on a balancing machine which spins the wheel to locate the heavier part. He will then compensate for the heavy part by attaching a lead weight on the opposite side. Many people are pleasantly surprised at how smooth their car drives after balancing all four wheels.
Most high quality tires will hold their balance fairly well. Any out-of-balance problem usually happens very gradually. So, if you notice a vibration that wasn't there the day before, it is possible that one of the lead balancing weights fell off. The problem is most likely in a front wheel if you feel the vibration mostly in the steering wheel. If you feel the vibration mostly in the seat, the problem is probably in the rear wheel.
Take Note: Ignoring problems will likely require you to prematurely replace tires and other vehicle parts.
If you're not sure whether your vehicle is in need of a wheel balancing or a car alignment, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned automotive repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
