Why Is Four-Wheel Alignment Service Important?

The wheels on your Chevrolet have been aligned to create a driving experience that's accurate, safe, and comfortable, as well as providing memorable tire wear. There are three main angles used to measure alignment: camber, toe, and caster. Imagine looking at the wheels of your vehicle from above or below. If the front ends of the wheels are tilted more towards the front of the vehicle, this is known as toe-in. The opposite is called toe-out. To picture camber, shift your perspective to the front or rear. If the tops of the wheels lean inward, that's negative camber; positive camber is the opposite. Caster angle is harder to visualize, but it refers to how far the centerline of the ball joints differ from vertical. Over time, your Chevy's wheels may become slightly misaligned, as the wheels are gradually knocked away from the precisely set angles. When you visit Ourisman Chevrolet of Rockville, our technicians will inspect the wheels, adjusting the camber, toe, and caster angles as necessary.

What Are the Symptoms of Misaligned Wheels?

The most common symptom of wheel misalignment is a vehicle that veers to one side on straightaways. If you have to struggle to keep the steering wheel straight, you may have an alignment issue. However, minor alignment issues aren't always as easy to detect, and you might not realize it until you come across one of the other major symptoms: uneven tire wear. By this time, it's too late; you'll have to have the tires replaced as well as the alignment adjusted. This is why we think it's best to have your alignment inspected at least once a year at Ourisman Chevrolet of Rockville.