The Tire Mart provides Wheel Alignment services to Frederick, MD, Thurmont, MD, Middletown, MD, and other surrounding areas.

Wheel Alignment Services at The Tire Mart

Don't continue driving a car that's out of alignment when you can visit The Tire Mart and have your wheel alignment corrected.

Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Imagine that your car's wheels are like your feet when you walk. Just as your feet need to be aligned properly to walk straight, the wheels on your car need to be aligned for it to travel in a straight line without pulling to one side.

There are three main angles that are adjusted during a wheel alignment:

Camber: This is the angle of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the wheel is tilted inward, it's called negative camber. If it's tilted outward, it's positive camber. Proper camber ensures even tire wear and helps maintain stability while driving.

Toe: This is the angle of the wheels when viewed from above the vehicle. If the front edges of the tires are closer together than the rear edges, it's called toe-in. If the rear edges are closer together, it's toe-out. Proper toe alignment ensures that the tires are parallel to each other and helps the vehicle travel straight.

Caster: This is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. It helps stability, steering, and cornering.

Vehicle manufacturers typically set the wheel alignment angles according to specifications that are determined through extensive testing and research. These specifications are designed to provide the best balance between handling, tire wear, and overall performance for the average driver in typical driving conditions. However, perfect alignment is subjective and can vary based on factors such as driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle modifications. Manufacturers may also adjust alignment settings to accommodate variations in suspension design, tire size, and other factors specific to a certain model year vehicle.

Benefits of Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is important because it helps prevent premature tire wear and ensures proper handling and steering response. It's recommended to have your wheel alignment checked regularly, especially if you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or if you've hit a large pothole or curb. It's also a good idea to have an alignment inspection done before installing new tires, so you can make corrections (if needed) before your new set.

The Tire Mart proudly serves the Wheel Alignment needs of customers in Frederick, MD, Thurmont, MD, Middletown, MD, and surrounding areas.