Volvo Wheel Alignment At MB Automotive In Bayshore

What is a Wheel Alignment?
An alignment is a process of making sure all 4 wheels point in the same direction, which will cause the vehicle to drive straight and not drift. Performing this service regularly (yearly or after the vehicle starts drifting) will extend the life of your tires. Alignment is measured in degrees of camber (tire leaning inward or outward), caster (forward or backward slope of steering components in relation to the McPherson struts), and toe (the direction the tires are pointing). Toe-in means that the tires are pointing inward; toe-out means that the tires are pointing outward. Most vehicles are “averaged” for everyday driving.

If you have additional questions or are ready to set up a service appointment, call MB Automotive in Bay Shore at 631-328-5985
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Does my Volvo need a wheel alignment?

Here’s how you can tell: Maybe your Volvo drifts left or right (especially when you apply the brakes), you notice you need a lot of steering effort while driving down the highway to keep you in your lane, or you may feel a bit of shimmy and shake from the steering wheel. These are all clear signs that you may need an alignment.

A vehicle out of alignment can result in excessive tire wear. When the wheels aren’t lined up straight, there’s a constant scuff that works against normal tread wear. You’ll notice that the tire tread is disappearing prematurely and unevenly across the tire’s surface. This also can cause a loss of traction, especially in wet conditions. Uneven tire wear, if ignored, can also contribute to premature tire failure or a blowout. MB Automotive In Bay Shore can restore your wheel alignment in our state-of-the-art facility in Bay Shore.

Imperfections in the road surfaces could be your vehicle’s worst enemy in keeping proper alignment. If you regularly drive on poorly maintained roads or one riddled with potholes or accidentally hit a curb or a parking bumper, you may knock your Volvo out of alignment.

But even before you take the car in, perform a check of your tire’s inflation. Having one tire measure substantially more or less than what the owner’s manual calls for could cause the same effect of drifting left or right or vibration in the steering.

How often does my Volvo need an alignment?
It is recommended to have an alignment check annually as part of preventative maintenance. Interval for wheel alignment can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle you own, your driving habits, and other factors. Regardless, don’t let your vehicle go more than 10,000 miles without having someone check the alignment. It’s a good idea to have your tires checked for alignment bi-annually, or any time you have your tires rotated.

The other time you should absolutely have your tires aligned is when you replace them. Properly balanced and aligned when placed on your vehicle, this will ensure they wear evenly from the start. Placing new tires on an improperly aligned vehicle will end up costing you more in the long run, because your new tires will continue to wear in the same manner as the previous set