Motoring

Why you need to remember to look after your tyre

Poor wheel alignment is not safe

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 24 Dec 2020 10:15AM

Why you need to remember to look after your tyre
This is the part of your car that keeps you safe. – Pic courtesy of Daniel Fernandez, December 24, 2020

by Daniel Fernandez

BLACK and round and most often dirty, tyres are ignored by drivers until it goes flat or it starts losing air. 

Most drivers never even inspect their tyres regularly and this is the part of your car that keeps you safe. Yes, your tyres are an important safety feature that is almost always ignored. 

The fairer sex almost never even bother to check their tyre pressure until their tyre goes flat. Then there is the issue of tyre shops being ‘dirty’ and ‘smelly’ and so some women drivers prefer to go into large franchised outlets and just sit in the fancy air-conditioned waiting room while sipping the complimentary coffee and let the ‘salesperson’ work their 'magic' which is not in eye view.

Be involved, ask questions, watch what they are doing, check on their work. Ask a brother, father, boyfriend, husband, co-worker, Facebook friend or neighbour what is their trusted tyre shop and use them if you have no idea at all.

Your tyres are an important safety feature that is almost always ignored. – Pic courtesy of Daniel Fernandez
Your tyres are an important safety feature that is almost always ignored. – Pic courtesy of Daniel Fernandez

Alignment

Now, you need to look after your tyre and your steering system as they work hand in hand. Wheel alignment is the easiest and often needed fix after months on the road. This is both a simple yet urgently needed fix. Not only will an alignment make for a smoother and safer ride, but it will also extend the lifespan of your tyres.

Wheel alignment matters

When your car is first manufactured, the wheels are aligned, tested, adjusted and ultimately verified at the factory. In a brand new vehicle, there should not be any problem with a wheel alignment. But over time, most drivers will find that their wheels fall out of alignment.

Bad tyre alignment

There are various reasons for wheels or tyres to fall out of alignment, most of which have to do with driving conditions. Driving down a poorly maintained road can cause wheels to become misaligned. Driving badly down these roads can make things worse. Hitting potholes and running into curbs can also affect your car alignment.

Your tyre and your steering system work hand in hand.. – Pic courtesy of Daniel Fernandez
Your tyre and your steering system work hand in hand.. – Pic courtesy of Daniel Fernandez
Driving down a poorly maintained road can cause wheels to become misaligned. – Pic courtesy of Daniel Fernandez
Driving down a poorly maintained road can cause wheels to become misaligned. – Pic courtesy of Daniel Fernandez

Symptoms

Wheel alignment issues may not be noticeable at first, but damage can still be occurring. When tyres are even slightly out of alignment, it can accelerate uneven wear and tear on your tyres. This means your tyres won’t be performing as well as they should be, and you might have to spend money to have those tyres replaced sooner than expected.

There are no warning lights or indicators for vehicle alignment issues, so the best ways to prevent premature tear, regular checkups are the best solution. What you might be able to notice, though, is a change in your car’s handling, such as the vehicle pulling to the left or right.

Other symptoms may include a vibrating steering wheel, or noticing that it is off centre even though you’re driving straight. Any of these indicators should send you straight to a tyre technician for an alignment check.

When tyres are even slightly out of alignment, it can accelerate uneven wear and tear on your tyres. – Pic courtesy of Daniel Fernandez
When tyres are even slightly out of alignment, it can accelerate uneven wear and tear on your tyres. – Pic courtesy of Daniel Fernandez

A tyre alignment helps your vehicle in many ways, but ultimately it ensures optimal drivability. Not only does it extend the life of your tyres, but it also helps your car drive smoother, and consume less energy, which usually translates into fuel savings.

This is why it is best to have your vehicle inspected regularly. Make sure alignments are a part of your routine maintenance efforts. To learn more, take your vehicle to a trusted tyre shop. You can contact us to get our regular tyre shop in Klang Valley. – The Vibes, December 24, 2020

This article is powered by www.dsf.my. For more automotive updates, follow DSF.my on Facebook and Instagram

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