Investing in tire care is one of the most cost-effective maintenance you can schedule for your Ford car. Not only are you improving the lifespan of your tires, but you're also going to improve your fuel efficiency as you drive around town. Keeping your tires properly inflated and correctly aligned will also increase your Ford vehicle's smooth performance while on the road.
Understanding Tire Alignment
Your tires are mounted onto the wheels and secured onto the axles. There are several angles your tires can tilt toward, and each of those has a name.
- Camber: The tilt of the top of your tires inward or outward is called camber. Ideally, they should be straight up and down if you view them from the front.
- Caster: The position of your tires relative to the shocks and springs is the caster, with a positive caster having the springs and shocks behind the imaginary line created by the front of your tires.
- Toe: If your tires are pointing outward or inward, like pigeon toes, this is a problem with your tires' toe angle.
What Does Tire Alignment Service Entail?
Our service center utilizes a specialized computer program that accurately records your tires' positions. This program notes incorrect angles and guides the technician to the correct tire placement. The technician will then give your Ford vehicle a test drive, ensuring that the steering wheel's position is true and that your vehicle's performance is as it should be. Alignment service is generally quick, with the adjustments and road test being completed within an hour or two so you can get back to your busy schedule.
What Causes Wheels to Come Out of Alignment?
The most obvious causes of alignment trouble are hitting a pothole excessively hard, getting into an accident, aggressive off-roading, or hitting a stationary object. After such events, your Ford model might perform differently than it did a few days before. You'll know it's time to schedule an appointment at our service center.
Alignment troubles don't necessarily arise from a fender bender or a scrape your Ford vehicle might have had, however. The simple knocks and bumps we experience daily while driving can also cause your tire alignment to suffer over time. These events are far more subtle and difficult to pinpoint, as the change is barely perceptible, and you may never notice that your vehicle's performance has slowly degraded from how it used to be. These subtle differences are why it's important to schedule routine maintenance. You should schedule a tire alignment once, about every 6,000 miles.
Common Signs of Wheel Alignment Trouble
Sometimes, your alignment can be off, giving a minimal indication that it needs servicing. This alignment failure is subtle and shows up over time as worn inner or outer bands on your tire's surface. While it's not causing you noticeable performance issues, it is creating an expensive future repair because you'll likely need to replace your tires before you otherwise would have. Failing to schedule regular tire alignments can also cause a weakening of the tire surface, making it more susceptible to punctures.
More obvious signs of alignment trouble include the top of your steering wheel pointing off at an angle rather than it pointing parallel to the roof as it should normally be. You may also notice your vehicle pulling to the left or right as you're driving. Your fuel efficiency might drop if your tires are not properly and regularly aligned.
Where Can I Get Tire and Alignment Service?
At Manderbach Ford, we want you to be safe and enjoy a smooth performance during your daily drives. That's why we offer tire care and alignment service that's accurate and convenient for your schedule. Simply book your visit using our handy form online, or give us a call to make an appointment. We hope to see you at our service center soon!
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