Precise Wheel Alignment Service in Kelowna
Wheel alignment, tire pressure and various other aspects can hugely affect your car’s performance and safety which is why it is important to opt for reliable wheel alignment services. If your car is pulling to one side or making a noise at high speeds, let the licensed professionals at RPM Automotive Ltd take a look for improper tread wear. With our 30+ years, we are well-equipped to provide a wide range of services, including wheel balance and wheel alignment in Kelowna.
RPM Automotive can smooth out your ride with computerized wheel balancing and alignment. A properly aligned vehicle will help you extend the life of your vehicle while protecting you and your family. Check out some of our photos from our shop.
Get in touch with us today for reliable wheel alignment services in Kelowna.
Signs Your Vehicle needs a Wheel Alignment
Potholes or uneven road conditions are common when you drive. Some of the components of your wheels may become worn out as a result of driving on these surfaces. This can cause the wheels to shift or become misaligned.
Here are the signs that you need to realign the wheels:
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If your vehicle tends to drift towards one side, it is a sign you need a wheel alignment.
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If the steering wheel is vibrating while driving, it is a sign that the wheels are misaligned.
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Check the tread depth on both sides of each tire. Misaligned wheels won’t have the same rubber depth.
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Squealing is also a sign that shows that wheels are misaligned.
If you notice any of these signs, do not ignore them. Visit our shop in Kelowna and have a wheel alignment done. Check out our blogs for more information on vehicle care.
Tires
Tires are a connection between your vehicle and the surface of the road - they are responsible for transmitting the forces of steering and braking to the surface of the road. Overinflated tires result in center tread wear, while the under-inflated ones often have quicker sidewall wear.
When the time comes for the replacement of your car tires, RPM is happy to offer some of the best brands in the business. We sell and install quality tires from Bridgestone® and Toyo®
Wheel Alignment
Camber is the measure of the degree of perpendicular offset from the road surface. While caster is the angle of your wheel's pivot, which is attached to your suspension, and when this angle is out of alignment, straight tracking is affected. Toe refers to the angle of directional difference between the tire and centerline of the vehicle.
Wheel alignment consists of adjusting the wheels of your vehicle. Adjusting the angles of the wheels to the manufacturer's specifications reduces tire wear, gets better gas mileage and allows the driver not to be continually pulled in one direction when moving.
Schedule an appointment to get your wheels aligned at our auto repair shop in Kelowna today!
Tire Pressure Monitor
A Tire pressure monitor or TPM monitors the air pressure in your tires when there is an instance of low tire pressure or if the air pressure drops below the manufacturer's recommended level. It detects and reports the discrepancy by illuminating an indicator light on the dashboard. The TPM system helps increase safety on the road, improves maneuverability, decreases tread wear and improves fuel mileage.
Wheel Balancing
Computerized tire balancing equipment is highly accurate and identifies weight distribution-related problems in your tires. Tires and rims should both maintain equal amounts of weight. If you experience vibration in your steering or pulling from your vehicle in one direction, it could be due to an imbalance in the tires. When balancing your tires, the information received by our computerized wheel balancing machine allows us to apply additional weight to the indicated areas to resolve the issues.
Importance of Having your Wheels Aligned in Kelowna by a Professional
Proper wheel alignment is crucial for the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. Here are some key reasons why you should always have your wheels aligned by a professional:
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Extend tire life: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, leading to premature tire replacement. By getting your wheels aligned regularly, you ensure that your tires wear evenly, maximizing their lifespan and saving you money in the long run.
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Improved fuel efficiency: When your wheels are properly aligned, there is less resistance while driving, which means your vehicle requires less energy to move forward. This translates to improved fuel efficiency and can save you money on gas.
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Enhanced handling and safety: Properly aligned wheels provide better handling and stability, especially during turns and on slippery roads. It helps maintain optimal contact between the tires and the road, ensuring better control over your vehicle and reducing the risk of accidents.
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Smoother ride: Misaligned wheels can cause vibrations and steering issues, making your ride uncomfortable. With a professional wheel alignment, you'll enjoy a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.
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Prevent costly repairs: Ignoring wheel alignment issues can lead to more significant problems with your suspension and steering components. Regular alignments can help detect and prevent potential damage, saving you from costly repairs down the road.
The Connection Between Wheel Alignment and Vehicle Safety
Many drivers underestimate the importance of proper wheel alignment when it comes to vehicle safety. However, wheel alignment plays a significant role in maintaining the stability and handling of your car, which directly impacts your safety on the road. Here are some insights into the connection between wheel alignment and vehicle safety:
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Improved handling: When your wheels are correctly aligned, your vehicle responds more predictably to steering inputs. This ensures that you can maintain control during sudden maneuvers or emergency situations, reducing the risk of accidents.
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Minimized tire wear: Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear, resulting in tires that are more prone to blowouts and punctures. Regular alignment not only extends tire life but also reduces the likelihood of tire-related incidents on the road.
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Enhanced braking performance: Proper wheel alignment allows your tires to make full and even contact with the road surface. This ensures that your brakes can work optimally, allowing for shorter stopping distances and better overall braking performance.
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Stability on wet and slippery roads: Aligned wheels provide better traction and stability, especially during wet or slippery road conditions. This reduces the risk of skidding or hydroplaning, making your driving experience safer in adverse weather conditions.
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Prevention of suspension damage: Misaligned wheels can put added stress on your vehicle's suspension components, leading to premature wear and potential breakdowns. Regular wheel alignments help preserve the integrity of your suspension system, ensuring a smoother and safer ride.
Investing in professional wheel alignment from RPM Automotive Ltd not only improves your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency but also ensures your safety and that of your passengers while driving. It is a small yet essential aspect of vehicle maintenance that should never be overlooked. Contact us today to book our quality wheel alignment services!