Wheel Alignment

Three basic angles contribute to proper wheel alignment: camber, caster, and toe.

• Toe refers to the angle of directional difference between the tire and the centerline of the vehicle. This is probably the most important adjustment when it comes to prevent uneven tire wear.
• Camber is the measure of the degree of perpendicular offset from the road surface.
• Caster is the angle of your wheel’s pivot, which is attached to the suspension, and when this angle is out of alignment, straight-line tracking is affected.

The front and rear wheels on your vehicle should always be perpendicular to the ground and parallel to the tire beside it. Routine wheel alignments have the potential to save you money in the long run while promoting optimal vehicle performance.

Importance of Wheel Alignment

A wheel alignment will keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently by promoting reduced tire wear, better gas mileage, and safer driving conditions. Wheels out of alignment will contribute to uneven tire wear. Uneven tread wear can be felt in a vehicle pulling to the right or left while in motion.

Left untreated, wheel alignment issues have the potential to turn into steering and suspension issues, since driving with wheels out of alignment not only puts stress on your tires but also on suspension components. This can have a major impact on your driving experience.

Common Signs of Wheel Alignment Issues

These are the most common signs that your vehicle needs a wheel alignment service.

• Uneven wear on the tires. One of the most obvious signs of wheel alignment issues. Take a close look at your tires and see if they have abnormal tire wear, worn down more on one side compared to the other. This could indicate that your wheels are not properly aligned.
• Steering wheel isn’t centered when you’re driving straight. If it’s tilted to one side, it’s a clue than something might be wrong with your alignment.
• Vehicle pulling to one side while while driving is an indication that your alignment is out or an steering or suspension component are worn.
• If an suspension or steering component is worn, most likely your vehicle’s wheel alignment is out too.

Over the time we have found that inspecting your wheel alignment once a year helps prevent expensive and unnecessary repairs.

Benefits of Wheel Alignment

A proper alignment will keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently by promoting reduced tire wear, better gas mileage, and safer driving conditions. These are the most known benefits of having a proper alignment on your vehicle.

1. Longer Tire Life
2. Improved Vehicle Steering
3. Improved Driving Experience (Smoother Ride)
4. Improved Fuel Efficiency
5. Fewer Auto Repairs
6. Preserved Tire Warranty Coverage

Types Of Wheel Alignment

Four-Wheel Alignment

Four-wheel alignment service, also known as all-wheel alignment, is a type of wheel alignment that involves adjusting all four wheels of your vehicle to the center of the vehicle. Usually the rear wheels are adjusted first then the front wheels.

This ensures that all the wheels are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. This is the  manufacturer’s recommended wheel alignment for vehicles with adjustable rear suspension

Most vehicles with rear independent suspension have some sort of adjustment on the rear wheels.

Thrust Alignment aka Two-Wheel Alignment

This type of alignment is most common for trucks with rear solid axle or base models of economy cars where only the 2 front tires come with adjustments from factory. Also known as Front End Alignment.

Even though only the 2 front wheels come with adjustments, alignment sensors are installed in all 4 tires and readings are obtained for rear and front axles, this helps to detect any anomalies on the rear axle, and make a recommendation if needed and available for the rear.

Even though the 2 front axles come with adjustments from factory, aftermarket solutions are available for the rear.