Getting a wheel alignment is one of the regular maintenance tasks required to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition. To make sure your car will run properly and safely, you need to have its wheels realigned at an auto repair shop or service center at a certain interval or when symptoms of misaligned wheels show. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn whether it's necessary, how often you should get a wheel alignment, and how long an ordinary alignment takes. Then see how Kia service coupons, service financing, or the Kia warranty can help you save on your next wheel alignment. If you aren't sure if the Kia warranty is right for you, check our page which goes into detail about it.
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A wheel alignment is the process of aligning the wheels of a vehicle with one another and the surface of the road. It's achieved by bringing the suspension system to its proper configuration and positioning as well as adjusting certain components. Unlike some other vehicle maintenance tasks that you can do yourself, a wheel alignment requires the expertise of an experienced mechanic and an alignment machine.
Basically, the purpose of a wheel alignment is to square a vehicle's wheels and axles with one another so that they'll move in the same direction. The process involves adjusting all the suspension angles that have an impact on tire movement and positioning, and ensuring the steering wheel is perfectly centered. The manufacturer of a vehicle designates standard angles for aligning its tires, which are specified in degrees.
The type of alignment your vehicle needs depends on its suspension system and the way it distributes power to its wheels. If you have an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle, you have to get a four-wheel alignment. On the other hand, if your vehicle uses a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive system, it needs a front-end alignment or thrust-angle alignment.
Yes, wheel alignment is one of the most important maintenance tasks.
If your wheels are misaligned, your vehicle will experience a dramatic drop in handling capability. It'll constantly pull in one direction, which can greatly inhibit its ability to turn or move in a straight line. This not only makes driving more difficult and reduces ride comfort, but it can jeopardize your and your passengers' safety.
In addition, failure to realign your wheels regularly can cause your cost of car ownership to go up considerably. Wheels that aren't properly aligned may lead to uneven tire wear, which means you'll have to replace your tires more frequently. It isn't uncommon for wheel misalignment to result in flat spots and tire blowouts because it can cause your tires to experience added tension. Also, misaligned wheels can lead to damaged wheel rims and suspension, which can affect the performance and longevity of your vehicle.
The interval for wheel alignment can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle you own, your driving habits, and other factors.
Most mechanics recommend that you get a wheel alignment once every two or three years. However, the best thing to do is to follow the recommended interval in your owner's manual.
If your owner's manual doesn't specify how often you should have your wheels realigned, you should bring your car to a service center or auto repair shop for a wheel alignment checkup at least once a year. Usually, a vehicle's wheel alignment will be at least slightly off after one or two years of driving. Nonetheless, if your car holds the road well, doesn't drift to one side, or has evenly worn tires, it isn't necessary to have its wheels realigned every year.
It's important to note that there are specific circumstances that may cause your vehicle to require wheel alignment on a more frequent basis. Vehicles with wider tires or performance-oriented cars usually need to have their wheels aligned more often. Additionally, you should consider getting a wheel alignment every time you install new tires on your car.
Besides going for a wheel alignment checkup on a regular basis, you should also look for certain signs indicating that your wheels need to be realigned. These signs include:
In the case of misalignment, it occurs because the tires are pulling in opposite directions.We know Rochester drivers are busy. So is an alignment a short or lengthy process? Under normal circumstances, a wheel alignment will take an average of one hour, whether it's a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle. If there's too much wear and tear or damage on the suspension system, steering bushing, track rod, or other parts, it'll take a longer time as some components have to be replaced.
Wheel alignment is an essential maintenance task that you cannot afford to skip as it can have a significant impact on your vehicle's performance, ride comfort, safety, and lifespan. If you want to get a wheel alignment for your Kia vehicle, contact Tom Kadlec Kia today to schedule an appointment.
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Most new vehicles are trouble free. However, mechanical or design problems may show up a few months into owning a car.
One such problem could be with the wheel alignment. If you're worried about how long does a wheel alignment take, it is generally a quick service with minimum interruption to your busy schedule.
A normal car alignment (whether a two wheel or a four wheel), will take on average about one hour, not including waiting time.
If there is any damage or too much play on any ball joint, track rod, suspension or steering bushing, then it could take longer as various components may need to be replaced.
Check the car alignment on a regular basis is a good idea, but especially if the following occurs while driving: sudden or forceful impact on the wheel, such as hitting a pothole or bump; as well as after an accident.
Wondering how long does a wheel alignment take? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our car alignment services. Rum River also offers quality auto repair and auto detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Be sure to take time to correct an improper car alignment so that you don't cause damage to your car. Ask your car shop how long does a wheel alignment take
Most new vehicles are trouble free.
However, mechanical or design problems may show up a few months into owning a car. One such problem could be with the wheel alignment. If you're worried about how long does a wheel alignment take, it is generally a quick service with minimum interruption to your busy schedule.
A normal car alignment (whether a two wheel or a four wheel), will take on average about one hour, not including waiting time. If there is any damage or too much play on any ball joint, track rod, suspension or steering bushing, then it could take longer as various components may need to be replaced.
Check the car alignment on a regular basis is a good idea, but especially if the following occurs while driving: sudden or forceful impact on the wheel, such as hitting a pothole or bump; as well as after an accident.
Wondering how long does a wheel alignment take? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our car alignment services. Rum River also offers quality auto repair and auto detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
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Many car enthusiasts in Russia are well aware of such a service as alloy wheel straightening.
Many car enthusiasts in Russia are well aware of such a service as alloy wheel straightening.
Everyone knows the state of our roads, so an experienced driver can “catch” a hole or bump while driving. Because of this, even an alloy wheel can lose its original shape. nine0003
For example, after severe damage, the metal part of the wheel is deformed from a circle into a figure eight. In this case, any adequate driver gives the product for restoration to the service or buys a new set.
In this article we will talk about the most popular types of rims, consider their advantages and disadvantages. We will also briefly describe how damage is rectified at the service station.
Manufacturers produce several basic options for disk products, which are usually divided according to material and manufacturing method:
Such dents can be easily rolled on a special machine. The main disadvantages of shampovkas are their heavy weight and unpresentable appearance. The increased mass leads to increased fuel consumption, reduces the vehicle's controllability, and excessively loads the elements of the running gear. In addition, the car owner has to regularly paint the stamping with an anti-corrosion compound and use plastic caps. nine0024 
However, these wheels are very difficult to repair. Often, after damage, microcracks appear on the rim, which lead to a subsequent split even with minor impacts. nine0024 Next, consider whether it is possible to straighten an alloy wheel and how damage is repaired in a car repair shop. nine0003
Alloy rims are much stronger than stamping, so restoring the original wheel geometry is a rather laborious procedure. If the damage is small, then rolling the rims can be done "cold". In case of significant deformation - for example, the rim is bent into a figure-eight, the damaged areas are leveled only after preheating.
If cracks appear after a strong impact, argon-arc welding is used to restore the integrity of the rim. With its help, the gaps are welded. Microcracks are also repaired by welding. nine0003
Winter Drive protection
Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 SUV
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Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
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Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV
Winter Drive protection
Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2
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nine0002 Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+How wheel deformations are corrected in a car workshop:
Specialists remove the tire from the damaged rim to determine the cause of the deformation. For example, the figure eight can be seen immediately, while cracks and micro-ruptures become visible only after a thorough examination. nine0024 Straightening alloy wheels is quite difficult without special equipment. Therefore, in the auto repair shop, rolling machines and professional tools should be available to straighten dents and weld cracks. Accordingly, a quality service cannot be cheap. nine0003
Before repairing a damaged rim in a body shop, you need to understand the pros and cons of this process.
For example, you may decide that it will cost more to fix an 8 than to buy a new set.
Reasons why it pays to straighten an alloy rim:
A few words about why it is not profitable to straighten a cast rim. No one will give you a 100% guarantee that there will be no problems with a repaired wheel while driving. Straightening and welding of cracks allows you to “pat up” the rim, but only for a short time. It is possible that you will have to align the wheels regularly, and this is already expensive.
nine0003
In addition, heating the product during repair will degrade its factory performance. The alloy loses strength, which means that any bump or pit on the road can potentially lead to a split rim.
Author of the article: Goodyear team
Let's take a closer look at the famous technique. Why the Wheel of Life Balance works and how to use it.
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How to look at your life from the outside, with a new and “unblurred” look?
How to understand what you lack for a sense of satisfaction and joy?
How to make the right decisions with high accuracy?
One simple, versatile and powerful technique, the "Wheel of Life Balance", is capable of all this. You may also know it as the Wheel of Life, the Wheel of Balance, or the Circle of Needs.
Most likely you have already heard about this technique (or maybe tried it), but did you know:
Let's take a closer look at the famous technique! She holds many secrets!
But first, let me introduce myself.
My name is Roman Dosov, and I am a coach of the highest international qualification MCC ICF (master coach according to the standards of the International Coaching Federation). Since 2012, I have been coaching and mentoring, and in 2015 I founded the Sistema coaching center, within which my team and I teach professional coaching according to international standards. nine0003
And today I will be happy to guide you through this simple but amazing method.
Where did the balance wheel come from
The “Wheel of Balance” came from the USA around the 1970s, just when coaching was in its infancy. It was presented to the world by the American Paul J. Meyer - one of the world's biggest legends in the field of goal setting, leadership, motivation, time management. It is often said that he is the founder of the field of personal development. nine0214
Paul Meyer has also worked on the deep themes of forgiveness, happiness, healthy love and codependency, and the art of reconciling work and family .
He left a huge legacy that we still enjoy today.
There were only 6 areas in Paul J. Meyer's "Wheel":
1. Family and home
2. Finance and career
3. Self-development and education
4. Body and health
5. Society and culture
6. Spiritual development and ethics
Today, the Balance Wheel has changed a lot, and there are alternative ways to use it. The popularity of the Wheel has skyrocketed in these 50 years. It is used in their work by coaches, psychologists, psychotherapists, consultants, trainers and other professionals in the helping professions.
Why is this method so effective?
6 secret "chips" Balance wheels
1. Even before the Wheel begins to perform its direct function - to give a person a look "from above" on his life - we already benefit from using this technique when SPEAKING OUT (if we do this technique in working with a coach or just someone then we talk about the results).
We get the opportunity to release everything that we carry inside and think about our life. Have you noticed that when you talk about your problems to someone, it becomes easier for you, thoughts seem to “fit” in your head, and the solution for the situation often comes by itself? This is the healing effect of verbalization (voicing your thoughts). Here he also works, and the person doing the Balance Wheel technique gets the opportunity to share his thoughts about life with someone else. nine0003
2. This technique encourages us to ANALYZE every area of our life and all its aspects in general. In the process of working with the Wheel, we think about what each area of our life means to us, what we want to achieve in it, what is more important for us. In everyday life, we often forget or do not find time to think about our own life path - we go where it is “closer” and do what is “needed” from us in the current circumstances. But where do we really want to go and what do we do? nine0003
3.
"Wheel of balance" helps to analyze all areas of your life as something WHOLE. The property of a person is to get hung up on one side of his life: either where there are obvious problems, or where everything is fine and easy.
In the first case, we think that by focusing our attention only on the problematic side, we can resolve the situation. In the second, we are not ready to look inside the problem and "force" it out of our consciousness, and pay attention only to those aspects of life that we like and succeed. And there, and there we "rock" the boat of our lives, heeling it to one side. There is a high probability that water will rush over the side and flood the entire boat. And a person will never understand: “What did I do wrong ..?” nine0003
Everything in our life is interconnected with each other. As in the human body one organ influences another, so each sphere of life is connected with the others. The resolution of one problem is possible only with a comprehensive view of the situation.
That is why people so often seek balance, harmony for themselves - we intuitively feel that it is extremely important to balance everything that is in our life.
4. "Wheel of balance" - SUPER-SIMPLE and accessible to everyone technique. To do it even on your own, you do not need to study to be a coach, psychologist or trainer. This technique is a great start for a person who wants to learn ways to improve their lives. And I will tell you how to use it with maximum benefit and depth, as well as for various purposes! nine0003
5. This technique successfully combines ALL THE MAIN CHANNELS OF PERCEPTION OF A PERSON. To perceive information, we most often use vision, hearing, kinesthetics (tactile sensation) and the digital channel (rational thinking). But best of all we perceive and remember when all these channels are combined. Let's explain.
"Balance wheel" - visual technique . We look at our life as if “from above”, just like we look at geographical maps (if you are not an avid traveler or tourist, remember school geography lessons!).
With the help of this angle, you can perfectly see and evaluate the whole picture at the same time, develop tactics and strategy - it was not for nothing that commanders in the old days made plans for military maneuvers on the maps! nine0003
When we work with a coach or just share with someone the results of this technique, we connect auditory (auditory) channel.
When we draw the Wheel and write lists of goals (which is why it is recommended not to be lazy to do it by hand!), and also immerse ourselves in the study of life spheres - we turn on our inner kinesthetic.
Well, when we analyze our life, put its spheres on the shelves - we use rational thinking. nine0214 Modern man is nowhere without it!
6. The "Wheel of Balance" pushes us to MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS - and experience shows that sometimes these are the most important decisions in our lives. What to prioritize, how to distribute efforts and prioritize - all this can be understood and seen after the execution of the technique.
Well, shall we try? Making the Balance Wheel step by step.
Step 1
Ask yourself the question “What is important to me in life, in what area?” nine0003
For example, here are a few common areas:
At this step you have complete freedom. You can:
The classic number of areas for the Wheel of Balance today is considered to be 8.
This is not necessary - but it is better not to save your imagination and try to select at least 8 areas. The more areas you can isolate in your life, the more detailed you will analyze it, as if "expanded under a microscope." nine0003
Step 2
Draw a wheel and divide it into as many sectors as you have identified in your life.
Step 3
Ask yourself, “How do I imagine each area of my life at its best? What is my ideal in every area?”
It can be:
Family sphere - a loving husband, two children, a big house, joint leisure and common travels
Health sphere - always good health, full medical check-ups once a year, massage SPA every 3 months (these are more than conventional examples!)
Even if you don't have it now, allow yourself to dream, to think about your desires and goals. Mark your ideal in each area with the number 10 on the Wheel.
4th step
Now ask yourself: “What number is this sphere on now?”
Don't think long, give in to your intuition - and mark the numbers on the axes of your Wheel.
Then connect the lines together.
Where is the wheel?
Most likely, you got a "wind rose" - not an even wheel, but a polygonal figure. This is normal, because almost always some areas of our life are better developed, and some are weaker. This is what we will continue to work with. nine0003
But if you get a uniform wheel, this most often means that:
If your life is now stagnating, is it time to think about what areas can be improved, strengthened, made even better and more interesting? Start slowly moving up - and you will avoid the "failure".
Step 5
Mark on the resulting Wheel or separately from it:
your strongest spheres - the spheres that scored the most points
their most “failed” spheres
And now an interesting logic game begins :) .
Instead, you need to figure out, which sphere is more profitable to start with, so that it will affect the entire Wheel in the most effective way? How to achieve the "Bingo" effect?
Here are some helpful hints that can help you analyze your Wheel:
For example, if you have “failed” money, then it may not be easy to implement “Travel”, “Recreation”, “Self-development”, “Health” or “Help for parents” (but here, of course, it is important what you invest in these concepts).
If “Health” is seriously lagging behind, then many areas may not be fun at all, and some of them (such as “Travel” or “Career”) will turn out to be poorly feasible. nine0003
If “Rest” is in the red, most likely, “Health” and “Work” will soon begin to fail (if they haven’t already).
Everyone will have their own puzzle. The main thing is to find its first element, the trigger, such a tricky sphere, the improvement of which will noticeably affect everything else!
How do you start making improvements?
1. Think about where you want to go in your chosen area in the long term (and be sure to write it down!). For example - "Take 2 days off a month without a child" or "Go on vacation."
2. Break it down into small, manageable tasks that you can start doing right now. You can help yourself by asking: "What actions can I take to increase this area by at least 1 point?"
Roman, you said something about creative ways to use the Wheel.
Come on, let's be more specific.
The balance wheel is also cool because it can be used for a huge number of tasks. So big that I can't list them all. But I'll try something.
"Wheel" in dynamics
I'll tell you a secret - in order for the Wheel to be as effective as possible, it must be done not once, but regularly. nine0214 Draw the first Wheel - identify weak areas - set the first goals - work on them - draw again after 3-6 months.
The fact is that the alignment of forces in our life is a rather changeable thing. Even small efforts can significantly affect areas of our lives, and besides this, there are many unplanned events and situations that are beyond our control. In order to “correct the course” that we are on in time, I recommend periodically repeating the Wheel of Balance.
Selection wheel
The Balance Wheel is a great tool for making informed and accurate decisions. There are several ways in which this technique can be used as your personal assistant in a situation of choice.
1. Suppose you have to choose between several options. Enter in the Wheel instead of life spheres - the selection criteria that are significant for you. For example, if you choose between two trips, the criteria may be "Duration of the trip", "Comfort", "Transport used", "Conditions of accommodation", "Weather", "Entertainment", etc. For each of the options, draw and fill in your own Wheel according to the criteria, and it will become much clearer to you which solution will satisfy you more. nine0003
2. Try to predict how a decision will affect every area of your life. Formulate possible solutions, and mark on the Wheel how your life areas will change if they are accepted. You just have to understand - which of the options will suit you?
"Wheel...whatever!"
In fact, almost anything can be painted on the model of the Balance Wheel. Here are just a few ideas you can use:
Instead of the spheres on the Wheel, place the professional competencies/skills that you or someone else (maybe your employee) want/should have, and evaluate the correspondence.
