You may notice that your car has started pulling to the left or right, or there is too much "play" in the steering. A wheel alignment specialist will try to pinpoint a tire problem by inspecting the candor and castor of your front alignment, including a road test. This will ensure that the correct service can then be performed--whether it's to correct the front alignment, or a simple tire rotation.
There are four general issues to consider when diagnosing steering problems:
First, eliminate tire problems:
- Make sure all four tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.
- Check to see that the tread and tire size the same on both front wheels.
- Check for unusual tread wear or damaged tires.
Second, examine the front alignment: There are three different aspects to a front alignment for rear-wheel drive vehicles:
- Toe-in -- The front of each tire, when driving straight, points slightly to the centerline of the vehicle. Each tire should have equal traction (bite) when cornering. If is angled inward too much, the outside tread will wear more quickly.
- Castor -- The vertices angle of the centerline of the tire from front to back. This won't vary much unless the ball joints, control arm bushings, or king pins are seriously worn.
- Camber -- The vertical angle of the centerline of the tire perpendicular to the cross-section of your car.
Third, conduct a road test: While driving on a level straight highway on a calm day, do the following:
- Loosen your grip on the steering wheel and let the car proceed on its own. Is it pulling to the left or the right?
- Listen for sounds from the front end of the car. Scraping, whining, or grinding sounds may indicate excessive friction from the tire tread gainst the surface of the road.
- Have someone follow you to observe the back to front alignment. The front wheels shoudl track in the same groove as the back.
Fourth, other causes of excessive tread wear:
- Worn struts or shock absorbers.
- Worn out or loose wheel bearings, damaged gear box, tie-rod ends, ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings, and other steering components.
- Uneven distribution of heavy loads.
- Poor driving habits--hard cornering, braking, or swerving.
** IN THE NEWS -- A Goodyear tire that recharges electric cars?
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. showed off two groundbreaking concept tires at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show that the company says could radically change the role of car tires in the future. Joe Zekoski, Goodyear's senior vice president and chief technical officer says, "We envision a future in which our products become more integrated with the vehicle and the consumer, more environmentally friendly and more versatile."
The first concept – named "BHO3" – offers the possibility of charging the batteries of electric cars by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tire into electrical energy. The second concept – named "Triple Tube" – contains three tubes that adjust tire inflation pressure in response to changing road conditions, delivering new levels of performance and versatility.
As demand for electric cars grows, this technology has the potential to significantly contribute to the solution of future mobility challenges. This tire technology could eliminate the vehicle-range anxiety motorists may have with electric cars. **
Need a front alignment to correct steering problems? If you are unsure about your wheel alignment or other car problems, 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 auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
You may notice that your car has started pulling to the left or right, or there is too much "play" in the steering. A wheel alignment specialist will try to pinpoint a tire problem by inspecting the candor and castor of your front alignment, including a road test. This will ensure that the correct service can then be performed--whether it's to correct the front alignment, or a simple tire rotation.
There are four general issues to consider when diagnosing steering problems:
First, eliminate tire problems:
- Make sure all four tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.
- Check to see that the tread and tire size the same on both front wheels.
- Check for unusual tread wear or damaged tires.
Second, examine the front alignment: There are three different aspects to a front alignment for rear-wheel drive vehicles:
- Toe-in -- The front of each tire, when driving straight, points slightly to the centerline of the vehicle. Each tire should have equal traction (bite) when cornering. If is angled inward too much, the outside tread will wear more quickly.
- Castor -- The vertices angle of the centerline of the tire from front to back. This won't vary much unless the ball joints, control arm bushings, or king pins are seriously worn.
- Camber -- The vertical angle of the centerline of the tire perpendicular to the cross-section of your car.
Third, conduct a road test: While driving on a level straight highway on a calm day, do the following:
- Loosen your grip on the steering wheel and let the car proceed on its own. Is it pulling to the left or the right?
- Listen for sounds from the front end of the car. Scraping, whining, or grinding sounds may indicate excessive friction from the tire tread gainst the surface of the road.
- Have someone follow you to observe the back to front alignment. The front wheels shoudl track in the same groove as the back.
Fourth, other causes of excessive tread wear:
- Worn struts or shock absorbers.
- Worn out or loose wheel bearings, damaged gear box, tie-rod ends, ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings, and other steering components.
- Uneven distribution of heavy loads.
- Poor driving habits--hard cornering, braking, or swerving.
** IN THE NEWS -- A Goodyear tire that recharges electric cars?
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. showed off two groundbreaking concept tires at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show that the company says could radically change the role of car tires in the future. Joe Zekoski, Goodyear's senior vice president and chief technical officer says, "We envision a future in which our products become more integrated with the vehicle and the consumer, more environmentally friendly and more versatile."
The first concept – named "BHO3" – offers the possibility of charging the batteries of electric cars by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tire into electrical energy. The second concept – named "Triple Tube" – contains three tubes that adjust tire inflation pressure in response to changing road conditions, delivering new levels of performance and versatility.
As demand for electric cars grows, this technology has the potential to significantly contribute to the solution of future mobility challenges. This tire technology could eliminate the vehicle-range anxiety motorists may have with electric cars. **
Need a front alignment to correct steering problems? If you are unsure about your wheel alignment or other car problems, 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 auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
