Ford Wheel Alignment Service near Dayton, OH
Proper wheel alignment is essential to getting the most life out of your tires, whether they’re brand new or already have thousands of miles on them. Without a proper alignment for your Ford, you might experience a harsher ride, uneven tire wear, or compromised handling. To explain the benefits of having your wheels correctly aligned, Germain Ford of Beavercreek has put together a guide to the whole process. Go ahead and take a closer look.
Wheel Alignment Explained
While it is called a wheel alignment, what is actually being adjusted is the suspension, the components that connect the wheels to the vehicle. These adjustments ensure that the wheels are at the correct angle relative to the car and one another. There are three angles to consider in this, and all three need to be correct for proper wheel alignment.
Camber - The inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from straight on in front. Too far in either direction, and this will cause uneven wear transitioning from the outer edge towards the inner edge. It can also cause excessive stress on the ball joints and other suspension components.
Toe - Also related to the inward or outward angle of the wheels, but this time when viewed from above looking down. Think of it like looking down at your feet and seeing which way they’re pointing. Obviously, you want your wheels pointed straight ahead.
Caster - This is the angle of the steering axle relative to the wheel when viewed from the side. This doesn’t have an impact on tire wear, but is important for handling and high-speed stability.
Signs or Symptoms of Improper Wheel Alignment
Considering how important all of this is, it’s good that it’s actually pretty easy to tell whether or not something is wrong with your Ford’s alignment. The experts at Germain Ford of Beavercreek have identified the following symptoms of an improper alignment.
- Uneven tire wear - Is there more tread on one side of your tires than the other? Are there any other unusual patterns in the wear of the tread? Anything other than even wear on all parts of the tread is an indicator that you need an alignment.
- Vehicle pulling to the left or right - Vehicle pulling to the left or right - When driving straight down the road, if your vehicle pulls to one side or the other then that is a clear sign of a misalignment.
- Steering wheel vibration - This is what it sounds like, a vibration in the steeling wheel. This could be caused by excessive uneven wear, or even damaged suspension components. It’s a serious sign that your vehicle needs to be serviced.
- Off-center steering wheel - Off-center steering wheel - If the steering wheel doesn’t come back to center while you’re driving in a straight line, it’s time to have a Ford-trained technician give your vehicle an inspection.
Wheel Alignments at Germain Ford of Beavercreek
The experts at Germain Ford of Beavercreek know your vehicle and its suspension better than anyone. Our team is equipped with the best tools and state-of-the-art machines and diagnostic equipment to make sure that your Ford’s alignment is done exactly right.
You want what’s best for your Ford vehicle, trust it to the Ford experts at Germain Ford of Beavercreek.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license, and a $250 Documentation Fee.
‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week. Invoice may not reflect dealer's actual cost, invoice available upon request. All vehicle sales are final. We offer a 72-hour exchange on all vehicle purchases, except for Wholesale Direct Vehicles in place of returns. Must be exchanged for an in-stock unit within 72-hours, certain restrictions apply, see dealer for complete details.
