Wheel Alignment Service & Specials

No matter if you’ve driven thousands of miles on your current set of tires or you’ve recently purchased a brand new set – wheel alignment is an essential part of maximizing the life of your tires. When your wheels aren’t properly aligned, you can experience some unpleasant symptoms including poor handling characteristics, a rough ride, and uneven tire wear. To further demonstrate the advantages of having your wheels aligned along with how the process works – our team at Germain Honda of Dublin has created this handy wheel alignment reference guide.

How Does Wheel Alignment Work?

Vehicle alignment relates to how the vehicle’s suspension geometry is adjusted. In other words, this process involves adjusting various suspension components to keep your vehicle tracking in a straight line as you drive down the road. This means having your wheels and tires set at the proper angles to help them make true contact with the road surfaces. Alignment involves three individual factors that work in tandem to keep your vehicle riding smooth and straight.

Camber – Take a look at your vehicle from the front. Camber refers to the inward or outward angle of your wheels and tires. If this angle is too far inward or outward, the extra stress can cause serious damage to your ball joints, bearings, and suspension parts. Your tires will also begin to wear unevenly with increased wear on the inside edge and less toward the outer edge.

Toe – Although it’s related to the concept of camber, toe angle is measured when viewing your vehicle from a bird’s eye perspective. For example, look down at your feet when standing up. Pointing your toes inward in relation to the center of your body is just like a toe-in alignment with your car. Conversely, pointing them outward mimics a toe-out alignment. Your feet, just like the wheels of your vehicle, have a much easier time when they’re pointed straight ahead toward your destination.

Caster – Looking at your vehicle from a side profile, caster measures the angle of your steering axis. Caster plays a significant role in how your vehicle remains stable when in motion, how it steers, and how well it corners in turns. Positive caster means that the steering axis is pointed towards the driver. The opposite, negative caster, refers to when the steering axis is pointed away from the driver.

Warning Signs of Potential Wheel Alignment Problems

Are you concerned about the wheel alignment of your Honda? Thankfully, there are a number of common signs that your vehicle could need some expert attention from our team of experts here at Germain Honda of Dublin.

Vibrations in Steering Wheel
Vibrations felt from the steering wheel usually indicate a problem with your vehicle’s alignment, leading to damaged suspension components and improper tire wear.

Uneven Tire Wear
Are you noticing different rates of treadwear on your tires? Do the inner or outer edges show more or less wear than the center of the tread? Cupping, damage, or improper wear are very common signs of an alignment issue.

Vehicle Pulling to the Left or Right
When you begin to notice your vehicle pulling to the side and having trouble tracking in a straight line, it’s time to have your alignment checked.

Off-Center Steering Wheel
Does your steering wheel need to be turned slightly to the left or right in order to keep your vehicle driving straight? If so, your alignment should be checked.

Wheel Alignments at Germain Honda of Dublin

Before a small alignment issue turns into a major problem, bring your vehicle to Germain Honda of Dublin and let our factory-trained Honda technicians give your vehicle the care it deserves. Our service center is equipped with the latest wheel alignment machines, tools, and diagnostic equipment to correctly identify and correct any wheel alignment problems. You’ll be able to drive with total confidence from knowing that your Honda has proper wheel alignment.

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