Wheel Alignment for All Makes and Models

Your Local Wheel Alignment Specialist

Lewis Automotive in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is your local wheel alignment specialist, providing quality workmanship for all makes and models for more than 60 years. As a family-operated shop, we’re committed to treating you as well as we do our relatives, respecting your car as if it were our vehicle. Our shop is sanctioned as a AAA-approved facility, and we hold membership in both the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA). These designations assure you of high-quality, ethical work. Our certified technicians, along with our A/C Delco Master Technician, have the expertise needed to help you, regardless of what you drive. We can even assist you if your method of communication is American Sign Language. We’re located in the heart of the business district at 633 S. Bolmar St., West Chester, PA 19382. Feel free to stop by Mon – Fri: 8AM – 5PM or schedule your appointment in advance. We have an online contact form and welcome your call at 610-696-3263.  

What is Wheel Alignment? 

Wheel alignment is crucial for driver control, traction, and tire wear. Expressed by the major suspension angles of camber, caster, toe, and thrust, wheel alignment represents the relationship of your auto body to the road as well as that between the wheels. Depending upon your automobile’s specifications, it may need front-end, thrust angle, or four-wheel alignment. As the most basic, a front-end alignment addresses the camber, caster, and toe. It’s appropriate if only the front tires are cause for concern or if your car has a solid rear axle. A thrust angle alignment extends this, aligning the rear axle with the auto’s centerline. It corrects slight rear axle misalignment. As the name suggests, four-wheel alignment corrects the respective angles of all four wheels. It’s best for cars with independent rear suspensions and those with clearly misaligned rear tires.  

How Will You Know? 

Since wheel alignment is important, it’s best to have Lewis Automotive check your vehicle periodically. There are, however, signs you may notice between visits that should prompt you to schedule a visit. The most common attention grabber for most drivers is the discovery of uneven tread wear. If you notice that your tires are unexpectedly balding in some spots but not others, your automobile almost certainly has a problem with wheel alignment. This is a result of uneven contact with the road. Haphazard contact also indicates reduced traction, a true safety concern. You may also feel your vehicle pulling to one side as you’re driving along a straight stretch. This often necessitates repeated steering corrections. Another clue is a crooked steering wheel or one that won’t return to a centered position. Sometimes, your tires will emit a high-pitched, singing sound when a misalignment exists. Because your car has to work harder to do its job, you may also notice reduced fuel mileage. Before the situation gets out of hand, causing premature tire replacement or suspension damage, bring your vehicle to Lewis Automotive for a wheel alignment.