Why You Should Have Wheel Alignment After Replacing Your Struts

• Drive Safe-Tips/Guides-Safety

You’ve just replaced your vehicle’s struts and have been told to do a wheel alignment. Is it really necessary you ask? Well, having your car’s wheel aligned after replacing your struts is crucial for several reasons:

1. Struts are an integral part of the suspension system, and their primary function is to support the weight of the vehicle while also dampening the impact of bumps and vibrations. When struts wear out or become damaged, they can cause the suspension to sag or become misaligned, which in turn affects the alignment of the wheels.
2. Proper wheel alignment is essential for optimal tyre wear, handling, and overall vehicle performance. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven and accelerated tyre wear, leading to premature tyre replacement and increased maintenance costs. Additionally, misaligned wheels can negatively impact the vehicle's handling, stability, and fuel efficiency.
3. During the strut replacement process, the suspension components are disassembled and reassembled, which can potentially throw off the wheel alignment. Even if the struts were replaced correctly, the suspension geometry may have shifted slightly, leading to misalignment.
4. Suspension alignment and wheel alignment are closely related but not the same. Suspension alignment refers to the proper positioning and adjustment of the suspension components, such as struts, control arms, and bushings, to ensure that the wheels are aligned correctly. Wheel alignment, on the other hand, focuses specifically on adjusting the angles of the wheels (camber, caster, and toe) to ensure that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road surface.

By having a wheel alignment performed after replacing the struts, you can ensure that the suspension components are properly adjusted and that the wheels are aligned correctly. This not only optimises tyre wear and handling but also contributes to a smoother and safer driving experience.

Conclusion

Replacing struts can affect the suspension geometry and, consequently, the wheel alignment. To maintain optimal vehicle performance, safety, and longevity, it is highly recommended to have a professional wheel alignment performed after replacing the struts. This step ensures that the suspension components are properly adjusted and the wheels are aligned correctly, minimising the risk of premature tyre wear, handling issues, and potential safety hazards.

Supa Quick is committed to safety on the road. Find your nearest Supa Quick service centre and pop in for a free vehicle safety check.

Also read:

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel Alignment Affects Your Vehicle's Performance

The Importance of Wheel Alignment & Balancing

Why You Should Have Your Wheels Checked Regularly

Wheel Balancing – Your Questions Answered

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