Suspension Alignment in Plainfield, CT
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Your Mazda's suspension components, working together as designed, are tasked with not only providing a comfortable ride by absorbing bumps and shocks, but are also engineered to ensure that your Mazda can turn corners safely and brake effectively. Keeping your Mazda in perfect driving condition benefits the driving experience and is critical to your safety.
You may be wondering, "Where can I find suspension alignment near me?" Read on, as our article shares all that you need to know about Mazda suspension alignment and how to care for your Mazda by regularly checking suspension alignment in Plainfield, CT.
What is Suspension Alignment?
Suspension alignment is part of Mazda's regularly recommended maintenance schedule, which includes checking and adjusting the various angles of your Mazda's suspension components. These angles typically include the toe-in angle, the angle at which the wheels on each axle run relative to each other.
An easy way to understand this is in human terms by considering how people walk. For example, excessive toe-in would refer to someone pigeon-toed, and toe-out can be applied to someone who walks duck-footed. The camber alignment will determine the angle that the wheels sit when viewed from the front. Negative camber means that the wheels on the same axle are closer together at the top, and positive camber is the opposite, where the distance between the wheels measured at the top is greater.
The last suspension alignment check is the caster angle, which is applicable to the front steering axle and refers to the angle of the steering axis relative to a vertical line running down through the front axle.
Importance of Proper Alignment
Correct suspension alignment is critical for a number of reasons. Most importantly, owners should ensure that their vehicle's wheels and, in turn, tires are optimally aligned to the road surface. This allows the tires to make the best possible contact with the road surface for optimal grip in acceleration, braking, and cornering maneuvers. Ensuring regular suspension alignment in Plainfield, CT, will benefit your Mazda's road manners with confident handling and a smooth ride.
How Suspension Alignment Works
As we've already learned, suspension alignment servicing involves checking and adjusting these angles to within the factory-recommended specs. A vehicle is typically driven onto a ramp with the four wheels stopping on four rotating platforms. Specialized measuring equipment is then clamped onto each wheel that makes use of sensors to measure the various angles and positions of each wheel relative to each other to determine the suspension angles. A digital display will normally show the values and the variances. The technician will then manually adjust the various suspension components to bring the alignment values to within the recommended factory specs.
Benefits of Suspension Alignment in Plainfield, CT
Keeping your Mazda's suspension aligned to within factory specs at all times offers many benefits.
Enhanced Driving Experience
Properly aligned suspension will improve a vehicle's handling and on-road manners with the benefit of enhanced safety and component longevity. Misaligned suspension components will cause your Mazda to handle poorly, causing issues like pulling to one side or creating damaging vibrations felt through the steering wheel.
Any of your Mazda's four wheels that are out of alignment will negatively impact the cornering ability and straight-line driving. Reduced control during cornering is dangerous, particularly at higher speeds. Straight-line driving will be affected by suspension that is not correctly aligned. Drivers will need to constantly correct their course as the vehicle fails to track straight.
Increased Tire Lifespan
Tires are able to provide grip on road surfaces through friction which will cause wear. When driving in a straight line, there are little forces acting on the tire; however, cornering involves massive scrubbing forces that accelerate wear. Misalignment of your wheels will have the same high drag effect, leading to greatly increased wear on the tires.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Providing friction is necessary for tires to provide grip, but increased unnecessary drag will mean that your Mazda will need more energy to keep driving. Tires that offer the least rolling resistance result in improved fuel efficiency.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs Alignment
Some sure signs that your vehicle needs suspension alignment in Plainfield, CT, include:
Uneven Tire Wear
Uneven wear across the width of the tire tread points to incorrect alignment.
Steering Wheel Off-Center
A vehicle that drives straight but with the steering wheel off-center is not only annoying but also indicates underlying alignment problems that will require attention.
Vehicle Pulling to One Side
Misaligned suspension can also cause your Mazda to pull to one side, forcing you to actively tug on the steering wheel to drive in a straight line. This is not only dangerous but will cause accelerated wear to tires and damage to vehicle components if left unchecked.
Why Choose Central Mazda for Alignment Services?
Choose Central Mazda for all your alignment service requirements on your Mazda. Our Mazda-trained technicians will ensure that your Mazda's alignment is done to the highest Mazda factory standards, not only keeping your Mazda in top driving condition, keeping you safe on the roads but also helping keep your fuel and tire costs in check.
Suspension Alignment FAQs
We provide answers to some frequently asked questions regarding suspension alignment.
How Often Should I Get an Alignment?
An alignment service should be done every 10,000 miles or annually to ensure continued safe vehicle handling and optimal tire wear. It is also recommended that an alignment service be performed when rotating tires.
Can Alignment Affect My Brakes?
Yes, incorrect alignment can negatively affect your vehicle's braking performance. When your vehicle pulls to one side, the vehicle's braking function is also affected, leading to the brakes having to work harder on one side, potentially causing uneven and premature brake pad wear.
Get Suspension Alignment at Central Mazda
At Central Mazda in Plainfield, CT, we are Mazda professionals. Our Mazda-trained technicians are perfectionists who understand what's best for Mazda vehicles and are meticulous about their care. So, next time when you feel your Mazda is not driving quite right, contact Central Mazda for suspension alignment in Plainfield, CT.
