Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment involves adjusting the positioning of your vehicle’s wheels to ensure they are correctly oriented. Proper alignment ensures that the wheels are directed straight and function smoothly with your steering as defined by the manufacturer's specifications. Without proper alignment, wheels may resist steering inputs and create uneven tire wear. Misaligned wheels can cause them to fight each other, leading to accelerated tread wear and reduced fuel efficiency. Maintaining proper wheel alignment is essential for optimal vehicle performance, safe handling, and tire longevity.
Computerized alignment equipment measures various alignment angles on your vehicle, both adjustable and non-adjustable. Non-adjustable angles often indicate the need for suspension repairs, component replacements, or aftermarket solutions. The primary adjustable angles include:
Toe: This angle refers to the direction the wheels point relative to each other when viewed from above. "Toe-in" means the front of the tires points toward each other, while "toe-out" means they point away from each other. This angle is crucial for tire wear.
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Camber: This angle measures the tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front. "Negative camber" occurs when the top of the wheels tilts inward, while "positive camber" happens when the top tilts outward.
Caster: This angle is the tilt of the steering axis relative to a vertical line when viewed from the side. "Positive caster" means the steering axis tilts back towards the rear, while "negative caster" tilts forward. Proper caster angle helps stabilize steering.
Thrust Angle: The "thrust line" indicates the direction in which the rear wheels point. This measures the alignment of all four wheels in relation to each other and an imaginary centerline from bumper to bumper. If your vehicle has an adjustable rear suspension, the thrust angle can be corrected. For vehicles with non-adjustable rear suspensions, alignment is achieved by adjusting the front wheels to compensate for the rear.