Do I Need An Alignment After Lowering My SUV?

Lowering your SUV is one of the most popular modifications for improving both aesthetics and performance. By installing a lowering kit, you can achieve a sleeker stance, better handling, and a sportier look. However, after making this modification, one important question remains: Do you need an alignment after lowering your SUV? At Deviate Dezigns, we’re here to guide you through why an alignment is necessary after lowering your vehicle and how it can affect your overall driving experience.

What Happens When You Lower an SUV?

When you lower your SUV, you're changing the suspension geometry, which affects how your wheels make contact with the road. A lower ride height alters the angle of the wheels, also known as camber, toe, and caster. While lowering can improve handling by reducing the vehicle’s center of gravity, it can also lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and other suspension-related issues if not properly aligned afterward.

Here are some potential effects of lowering your SUV without an alignment:

• Uneven Tire Wear: If the wheels are misaligned, the tires may wear unevenly, which can shorten their lifespan and require premature replacement.
• Handling Issues: Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, making it difficult to maintain control, especially at higher speeds.
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Poor alignment can cause additional friction between the tires and the road, leading to decreased fuel efficiency.

Why Is an Alignment Necessary After Lowering?

An alignment is essential after lowering your SUV because it ensures that your wheels are correctly aligned with the road. During an alignment, a professional will adjust the camber, caster, and toe settings to match the new ride height and suspension geometry. This prevents uneven wear, restores proper handling, and ensures a smooth, safe ride.

Here’s why you need an alignment after lowering:

• Restore Proper Suspension Geometry: Lowering your SUV changes the angle of your wheels. An alignment corrects these angles to prevent issues with steering and handling.
• Prevent Uneven Tire Wear: A proper alignment will evenly distribute the load on your tires, helping to prevent premature wear and extend the life of your tires.
• Improve Handling and Performance: When your wheels are properly aligned, your SUV will handle more precisely, giving you better control, especially in sharp turns and at high speeds.

What Happens During an Alignment?

When you take your SUV in for an alignment, a technician will adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles to optimize your suspension and ensure your wheels are correctly positioned. These adjustments are crucial for maintaining even tire wear, improving fuel efficiency, and ensuring your SUV drives smoothly after it has been lowered.

Here’s a breakdown of the key alignment adjustments:

• Camber: This refers to the angle of the wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Incorrect camber can cause the inner or outer edges of the tires to wear faster.
• Caster: This refers to the angle of the steering pivot, which affects the vehicle's stability and steering. Adjusting the caster ensures that your SUV tracks straight and feels stable on the road.
• Toe: This refers to the direction the wheels are pointed in relation to each other. Incorrect toe alignment can cause the tires to scrub against the road, leading to uneven wear and handling issues.

4. When Should You Get an Alignment?

It’s important to get an alignment immediately after lowering your SUV to avoid any negative effects on handling or tire wear. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have your alignment checked regularly, especially if you notice signs like:

• The vehicle pulling to one side.
• Uneven or rapid tire wear.
• Steering wheel vibration.

At Deviate Dezigns, we recommend getting an alignment whenever you make significant changes to your suspension, such as lowering or installing performance parts, to maintain optimal performance and safety.

SUV Lowering Kits At Deviate Dezigns

Lowering your SUV can enhance its appearance and performance, but it’s crucial to follow up with a professional alignment to ensure your vehicle handles safely and performs at its best. At Deviate Dezigns, we provide expert advice and a wide range of performance parts to help you customize your vehicle without sacrificing safety or drivability. Ready to lower your SUV or need an alignment after lowering? Contact us today to learn more about our services.