Wheel alignment: Camber, toe and caster angles.

There is a perfect angle for every part of a machine. If the angle of a part is not at its optimum it will lead to premature wear, damage and even total collapse of a mechanism. You may not have put thought into how important the smallest of details can be, but designers do. That is what makes it possible for machines to be at their functional best.

There are perfect angles to every part in a car as well. The tyres, the steering, the engine it all comes with geometric precision. Keeping these angels in their precise position paves the way for a smooth functioning vehicle. Especially the alignment settings of a vehicle wrought with angles require regular maintenance. It should be checked periodically to keep misalignment from causing irregular wear to the tyres. For regular alignment checks of your vehicle visit Wheel Alignment Coventry. They are experts equipped with best in industry machines that check wheel alignment on vehicles.

Let us look at some of the angles that are essential in maintaining the wheel’s alignment.

Camber.

Wheels on a vehicle are not parallel to the ground. They are set at an angle by the manufacturer to ensure optimum handling. One of these angles is the camber angle. The camber angle is the one that decides whether the wheel’s tops are angled away from the body of the vehicle or towards it. If the wheels were to be positioned parallel to each other steering it would be a nightmare. So keeping the camber angle at the manufacturer’s recommend angle is necessary.

Toe.

The toe angle similarly is the angle the wheels point in. When the wheels point in the precise direction of the vehicle nominal steering inputs while driving would lead to insanely exaggerated effects. To reduce this the toe angle is inwards for passenger vehicles. The angle is set by the manufacturer depending on the design of the vehicle and so needs to be kept in check. The better the maintenance of the toe angle the better will be the handling of the vehicle.

Caster.

The caster angle is the angle at which the steering mechanism joins the wheels. The caster angle is the determining factor behind the wheels returning to their original position after cornering. The caster angle is essential in maintaining a balance between the wheels and the steering. The caster angle can be affected by big potholes and problems in the caster itself. So regular check-ups of wheel alignment should be performed to ensure that its optimum position is maintained.

Now that you know the different angles let us look at what can be done to keep in their position and avoid misaligned wheels.

Avoid speeding on bad roads.

Despite all the claims and efforts of the government, roads develop potholes. When you drive your vehicle through them at high speeds you not only overwork the suspension but also put your wheel’s alignment at risk. So it is best to slow down when you see a road riddled with potholes.

Not getting the alignment checked.

With even the most careful driving on the smoothest roads, the wheels will eventually lose their intended alignment angles. Therefore is it advisable to get the alignment checked with every maintenance service. The more attention you pay to the maintenance of your vehicle’s alignment the longer your tyres will last.

Signs that your wheel may be out of alignment.

The first and foremost sign will be the drifting of your vehicle to one side of the road. Other signs that may follow are:

• A bumpy ride.
• Changes in the steering response.
• Vibration in the steering.
• Irregular wear on the tyres.

If you see or notice any of these signs, the time for a wheel alignment check is upon you. Checking the wheel alignment takes no more than fifteen minutes. However, fixing it will depend on the cause and the amount of damage to the part that caused the wheel to go out of alignment. Remember worn tyres can cause a failed MOT. So be attentive and avoid bills. For a comfortable MOT check visit Central Point MOT.