Wheel Tracking: A Driver’s Secret to Longer-Lasting Tyres and Better Handling
Have you ever considered the impact of wheel tracking on your car’s performance? It’s more than just a technical term; it’s a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that can significantly enhance your driving experience. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything from the basics of wheel tracking, wheel alignment and wheel balancing to the expert role a car service and clutch specialist, like Elite Garages, plays in maintaining your vehicle’s optimum performance.
Before we get started, let’s clear up some confusion. When you hear “wheel tracking” and “wheel alignment,” you might think they’re different things, but really, they’re two peas in a pod with a bit of their own flavour. Here is a simple breakdown to help explain what this means.
The Difference Between Wheel Tracking and Wheel Alignment
Wheel Tracking:
Picture “wheel tracking” as the basic check-up for your wheels. It’s not a term car mechanics or vehicle technicians throw around a lot, but you’ll hear it in garages from time to time. Essentially, it’s about making sure your wheels are parallel to each other and are making proper contact with the road. It involves ensuring that your wheels are correctly aligned with each other and your car’s direction of travel. It’s kind of the straightforward, no-frills cousin of wheel alignment.
Wheel Alignment:
Wheel alignment involves a comprehensive assessment of your car’s wheel positioning in relation to its suspension. It focuses on achieving precise angles – including camber (the tilt of the tyres when viewed head-on), toe (similar to the inward or outward pointing of your feet), and caster (comparable to balancing a spinning top for your steering). Perfecting these angles ensures that your tyres make optimal contact with the road, promoting even wear and maintaining a smooth and stable ride.
Why Do We Mix Them Up?
The mix-up happens because both terms are about the same thing – your tyres and how they line up with the road. While ‘wheel tracking’ is a term more commonly used in general discussions, ‘wheel alignment’ is the technical term that encompasses the detailed adjustments made to the vehicle’s suspension. Both aim to achieve the same result: ensuring that your car’s tyres wear evenly and maintain the best possible contact with the road, which is crucial for a safe and smooth driving experience.
Wheel Tracking and Tyre Longevity
Correctly aligned wheels evenly distribute the load and wear on your cars tyres. This not only extends the lifespan of your tyres but also ensures safer driving conditions. In challenging events like the Dakar Rally, where terrain is tough, wheel alignment is even more important. Teams only choose high-quality, high-performance tyres and invest heavily in precise wheel tracking to survive the gruelling conditions, a testament to its importance.
As such, even for daily use cars, maintaining proper wheel alignment is crucial in preserving tyre longevity and ensuring optimal road grip. Tyre wear patterns vary depending on the type of car, wheel configuration and driving style. It’s essential to recognise these patterns and have them corrected by a qualified car mechanic at a reputable vehicle service centre near you. They will also help you choose the best tyre for you car.
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Wheel Balancing and Vehicle Handling
In addition to wheel alignment, wheel balancing is equally important in ensuring safety and performance on the road. Wheel balancing involves evenly distributing the weight of the wheel and tyre assembly to promote smoother handling and prevent vibrations. Unbalanced wheels can cause uneven wear on tyres, leading to replacement at a faster rate.
The symptoms of unbalanced wheels are similar to those of poor alignment: uneven tread wear and vibration. However, while wheel alignment issues are generally caused by external factors such as road conditions or suspension components, wheel balancing problems are primarily caused by tyre wear and tear or manufacturing defects.
Regular wheel balancing is recommended every 6,000 miles to prevent premature tyre wear and maintain a smooth and stable ride. It’s essential to have this done by a qualified technician who has the proper equipment to balance your wheels accurately.
Symptoms of Wheel Tracking Issues
As mentioned earlier, problems with wheel tracking can often mimic symptoms caused by other vehicle components. Here are some signs to watch out for that may indicate an issue with your wheels’ alignment:
- Unusual or uneven tyre wear patterns
- Pulling to one side while driving
- Vibrations in the steering wheel or overall handling difficulties
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to have your wheels checked by a professional mechanic immediately. Ignoring these issues can lead to more severe problems and even compromise your safety on the road.
A Peek into the History of Wheel Tracking
Wheel alignment has been a vital aspect of vehicle maintenance since the inception of automobiles. In the early 20th century, as cars became more common, the need for precise alignment grew.
During the early days of motoring, when the Ford Model T was the epitome of automotive innovation, wheel tracking was a rudimentary practice. Vehicle technicians or car mechanics as they were more widely known then, used basic tools like strings and rulers to align wheels, a necessity for the rough and uneven roads of the time. This era relied heavily on manual skills and simple techniques.
Fast forward to the late 20th century, the advent of computer technology transformed wheel tracking into a precise science. Modern vehicles, with their complex designs and demanding performance standards, now benefit from sophisticated, computerised alignment systems. These systems, using laser-guided sensors, allow for extraordinary accuracy, ensuring vehicles perform safely and efficiently on today’s roads.
The Vital Role of Car Service and Clutch Specialists
Detecting Issues Through Symptoms:
Sometimes, issues in wheel tracking can be misinterpreted as clutch problems, and vice versa, due to similar symptoms like unusual vibrations or handling difficulties. It requires a professional diagnosis to determine whether the issue originates from the wheel alignment, the clutch, or another component altogether. That’s where car service and clutch specialists come in. These professionals are trained to handle all aspects of vehicle maintenance, including wheel tracking, clutch repairs and clutch replacement, cambelt replacement, tyres and much more.
Expert Diagnosis and Solutions:
Car service and clutch specialists also have the necessary knowledge, skills, and equipment to accurately detect issues with wheel alignment and provide appropriate solutions. They can also offer valuable advice on maintaining proper wheel tracking to maximise tyre longevity and enhance driving performance.
Quality Services for Optimal Vehicle Performance:
Besides wheel tracking and clutch repairs, car service and clutch specialists offer a wide range of services to maintain your vehicle’s optimal performance. From routine maintenance checks to complex repairs, these professionals have you covered. Regular servicing from a reputable specialist can also save you money in the long run by avoiding costly breakdowns and replacements.
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Why Choose Elite Garages For Wheel Alignment
At Elite Garages, we understand that proper wheel tracking and alignment are crucial for the safe and smooth operation of your vehicle. That’s why we offer expert wheel alignment and balancing services using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure precise measurements and adjustments.
Our trained technicians will perform a detailed inspection of your car’s suspension components, tyres, and steering system to determine the root cause of any tracking or alignment issues. We use advanced systems to adjust your wheel alignment and balancing, ensuring precise measurements and a perfect finish.
From regular maintenance to handling more complex issues like clutch problems, Elite Garages is your go-to for all things vehicle maintenance. So, next time you feel vibrations or see uneven tyre wear, come to Elite Garages for expert wheel tracking (wheel balancing) and wheel alignment services.
