How is wheel alignment performed?
2 Answers
The process of performing wheel alignment on a car is as follows: 1. If the steering wheel is straight while driving, but the car drifts to one side, it indicates possible tire imbalance. In this case, you should go to a repair shop for wheel alignment as soon as possible. 2. If you feel excessive tire noise and some vehicle vibration while driving, it might also indicate an issue with the tire dynamic balance. Continuing to drive in this condition can easily lead to problems, and in severe cases, the tires may wear unevenly or become deformed. It's essential to have the tires checked promptly. 3. When choosing a repair shop, don't be too casual. Go to a reputable repair facility. Wheel alignment equipment is very expensive, and cheaper facilities at small shops often have poor results, making it difficult to guarantee repair quality. 4. During wheel alignment, the car needs to be parked in the appropriate slot, so it's important to control the speed carefully and follow the technician's instructions. After parking, engage the handbrake and put the car in gear. 5. When the car is undergoing wheel alignment, keep an eye on the technician's operation to prevent any damage to the tires.
I've been in the auto repair business for over 20 years, and wheel alignment is one of the most common tasks in my daily work. The process is actually quite systematic: first, I drive the car onto a dedicated alignment rack and secure the tires, ensuring it's perfectly level. Then, I attach sensors or laser measuring devices to the wheel rims, which connect directly to a computer screen to display real-time data—including key metrics like camber, toe, and caster angles. If any angles deviate from the normal range, I have to make adjustments, such as using a wrench to tighten the tie rod nuts or adjusting the lower control arm bolts, calibrating bit by bit until the numbers fall within the specified range. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and precision is crucial—no slacking off, or the car might pull to one side or suffer uneven tire wear, drastically shortening tire life. I've seen many drivers neglect this, only to end up with steering issues or severe tire wear, wasting money on new tires unnecessarily. So, I always remind myself to check the alignment regularly and verify it before long trips to avoid unexpected risks.
