LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT Lansing

What Is a Vehicle Alignment?

When you love your ride, you want to keep it in peak condition for many more drives around Lansing, East Lansing, or Potterville, Michigan. At LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT (CDJRF) of Lansing, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape, and one essential aspect of that is maintaining proper alignment.

In this detailed overview, we’ll explain “What is a vehicle alignment?” and other questions local drivers commonly ask us. Let’s dive in to learn more!

What Is a Vehicle Alignment?

So, what is a vehicle alignment? In simple terms, it's the process of adjusting your car's wheels to ensure they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. It can also be called “wheel alignment.”

A professional alignment service typically involves adjusting three critical angles: camber, caster, and toe. Camber relates to the vertical tilt of the wheel. Caster refers to the forward or backward tilt, and toe deals with the angle at which the wheels point concerning each other.

What Is a Vehicle Alignment
What Is a Vehicle Alignment
Why Is Vehicle Alignment Important?

Now, you know, “What is a vehicle alignment?”, but you might wonder why this service is essential. Proper alignment offers a multitude of benefits.

Firstly, it enhances safety by improving your car's handling and stability. When your vehicle’s wheels are correctly aligned, you have better control, especially during turns and on slippery roads. Secondly, it helps extend the lifespan of your tires. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, but with regular alignments, you can make the most out of your tires.

Additionally, proper alignment positively impacts fuel efficiency. When your wheels are aligned correctly, there’s less resistance against the road, reducing the workload on your engine and improving gas mileage.

What Are the Signs You Need a Vehicle Alignment?

Now that we've discussed the importance of alignment, let's look at some signs that indicate your vehicle may need an alignment:

  1. Uneven Tire Wear: If you notice that one side of your tire is wearing faster than the other, it's a clear sign of misalignment.
  2. Steering Wheel Off-Center: When your steering wheel is not centered while driving straight, it's a sign that your wheels may be misaligned.
  3. Vehicle Pulls to One Side: If your car tends to pull to the left or right while driving on a straight road, it might be time to schedule a vehicle alignment.
  4. Vibrations or Shaking: If you feel vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel or seats, it could be due to misaligned wheels.
  5. Squealing Tires: Misalignment can also lead to squealing tires, especially when making turns.

If you notice any of these signs that your vehicle needs wheel alignment, you can schedule an appointment with us to have our expert technicians work on your vehicle. We can ensure your car is aligned correctly for many upcoming grocery runs, road trips, and more.

We offer an online scheduling tool to make fitting service into your day easy, so check it out!

What Is a Vehicle Alignment
Schedule Your Vehicle Alignment With Us!

We hope this guide to “What is a vehicle alignment?” has helped you. At LaFontaine CDJRF of Lansing, we're here to assist our customers with all their automotive needs near Lansing, East Lansing, and Potterville, MI. Our expert team is here to give your car the care it needs and get you back on the road.

So, is it time for your alignment? Request an appointment today!


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Tuesday 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 2:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 2:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 8:00AM - 5:30PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:30PM
Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:30PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 5:30PM
Friday 8:00AM - 5:30PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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