Wheel geometry affects safety and even fuel consumption

Improperly adjusted toe-in can be dangerous while driving, especially in adverse road conditions such as wet roads. Then we can very quickly find ourselves in a ditch.

But the lack of convergence is also a risk of damaging some parts of the car. Therefore, at least once a year, we must carry out a complete check of the wheel suspension. Although such an examination is optional. However, practice shows that we think about checking convergence only when something alarming happens to the car. The easiest way is to feel that the car is pulling to the right or to the left, we have problems with the steering wheel, etc. If this phenomenon was preceded by entering a pit or hitting a sidewalk curb, then we go to the workshop.

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In doing so, it turns out that wheel alignment may change during normal use. This is a consequence of the normal wear of suspension components such as wheel bearings, tie rod joints or even bushings. Therefore, wheel alignment should be checked during periodic diagnostic tests. It has a great influence on driving safety, vehicle handling, vehicle stability and tire wear rate.

What should be remembered?

– Toe-in and lean angle of the front wheels are the most important, because they break on our pitted roads, explains Ing. Andrzej Podbocki, Service Manager at the official Volkswagen Kim dealer in Swiebodzin and Gorzow Wlkp, adds: – In Polish conditions, it is necessary to check the geometry of the front wheels before the start of each summer season. And it is best to do it now, that is, in the spring. And, importantly, when buying a used car, one of the first actions after changing the oil should be a trip to a service center to check the alignment there. This is a small expense, and the correct geometry of the front wheels will increase traffic safety and protect against accelerated tire wear, our interlocutor convinces.

What and when should be checked?

The most important in wheel geometry are the following quantities:

- tilt angle,

- angle of rotation of the fist,

- steering knuckle advance angle,

– Adjustment of wheel alignment angles.

If the wheels are not properly aligned, the tires wear quickly and unevenly. Tilt and advance angle of the steering shaft affects the stability and controllability of the vehicle when driving. The instability of the car is determined by the incorrect extension of the kingpin. Proper wheel alignment prevents side skidding, improves steering stability and prevents excessive tire wear. Incorrect wheel alignment increases fuel consumption.

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“But what about the rear wheels,” we ask? - It's the same here. We also deal with camber angle and toe-in. However, there is an additional parameter: the geometric master axis, i.e. the direction in which the rear axle of the car would like to move. The desired rear axle wheel alignment is such that the drive geometry matches the chassis geometry, i.e. the vehicle drives straight. - answers Iijir Podbutsky. We always advise you to check the geometry before buying a used car and at least once a year. We entrust this operation to a specialized workshop equipped with the appropriate equipment.

Characteristic features of convergence:

– Front wheels

Increasing discrepancies:

* the temperature of the tires rises, which leads to faster wear,

* the maximum speed drops slightly,

* improved directional stability on straight sections.

Reducing discrepancies:

* improved cornering stability,

* tires wear out less,

* we feel a deterioration in driving stability on straight sections.

– Rear wheels

Convergence Reduction:

* deterioration in exchange rate stability,

* less tire wear,

Convergence increase:

* improved driving stability,

* temperature increase and tire wear,

* minimum speed reduction.