front end alignment

[9to5cynic]

Hey all, is a front end alignment something that a person without much automotive skill could manage? My car is veering hard left, and I'm not sure if that might be my problem.

Also planning on checking my tire pressure in a couple hours, about how many psi should it be?

Thanks car friends.

 

[Gmash]

A front end alignment requires specialized equipment. Someone who knows what they're doing might be able to get it close, but I would just pay the $60 and have it done right. I keep my tires at 30psi, it can vary a little, there should be a label somewhere on your car that tells you what they recommend, usually in the door jamb or under the trunk lid.

 

[9to5cynic]

Thanks gmash! I was looking around on my car for the recommended PSI but I wasn't able to find it in the included booklet. But I could have just overlooked it.

Hmm.. well, looks like I'll be heading in to my front end aligned.

 

[Mikestony]

A quick check to see if your pull is alignment related....rotate both front tires side to side.
If it pulls the other way, you have a tire pull issue.
How are your tires wearing on the front?

 

[badblue1]

A quick check to see if your pull is alignment related....rotate both front tires side to side.
If it pulls the other way, you have a tire pull issue.
How are your tires wearing on the front?

You can tell if you need a front end alignment buy looking at your treadwear.

If your tires are wearing out faster towards the inside or outside it's likely an alignment issue.

If your tires are wearing in the middle, it's over inflated.

If your tires are wearing on the outsides of the tire it's under inflated.

Seeing any odd treadwear it's a good idea to get the alignment checked. Don't wait like i did, i have pretty wide tires on the front of my truck, i usually glance at them at least once a week, instead of getting down and really looking at them, well, i got a flat the other day to find the outside of the tread looked brand new, but the inside of the tire the cords and steel belts were hanging out.

If i would have checked them sooner, i would have gotten the alignment, now i have to get it aligned and buy new tires.

A front end that's out of alignment can chew your tires up before you know it.