If you've ever taken your car for a wheel alignment procedure, you know that it's an important part of regular vehicle maintenance. But what exactly does the wheel alignment expert look for before they begin work on your car?

This article explores a few key considerations they have to make to ensure that your car is aligned correctly and safe to drive.

Tire Condition

The first consideration is the condition of the tires. The tires need to be in good condition, free from any significant wear or damage, for a quality alignment to take place. So if there are any cuts or bulges in the tires, they must be fixed before the procedure begins.

Usually, a wheel alignment expert will also check the tires' air pressure and ensure that it is consistent across all four tires. This ensures that all four contact the ground evenly and that each tire will rotate at the same speed.

All four tires should be the same size and brand for optimal performance. Wheel alignment experts may also recommend replacing worn tires if necessary.

The State of the Suspension System

Another thing an expert looks at is the suspension system. The suspension system determines how much play there is between the wheels and the body of the car, which directly affects how well it handles corners and bumps. If parts of the suspension system are worn out or damaged, it will make it more difficult for an accurate alignment to occur.

The alignment typically involves adjusting the wheel camber and caster angles. The camber angle determines how much the wheels are tilted in or out, while the caster angle determines how centered the wheels are.

Both of these angles must be adjusted correctly for a quality alignment. This can only happen if the suspension system is in good condition to ensure proper adjustment. In some cases, these parts may need to be replaced before proceeding with an alignment job.

Your Driving Habits

In some cases, a wheel alignment expert might also consider your driving habits. How often do you drive? How aggressive are you when braking and turning? Do you do a lot of highway driving or city driving? All of these factors can affect how your car needs to be aligned for it to handle properly on different surfaces and terrain types.

An experienced expert can assess this information and ensure your car is aligned accordingly so that it performs optimally no matter where you're driving. They can make slight adjustments based on your driving habits to ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

For example, they might lower the front camber angle slightly if you plan to drive mostly on city streets. If you do a lot of highway driving, they might adjust the caster angle for a more responsive and stable ride. 

For more information on auto wheel alignment, contact a professional near you.