How to Perform a Four-Wheel Alignment?
3 Answers
Steps for performing a four-wheel alignment: 1. Drive the car onto the alignment lift, positioning the front wheels in the center of the turntable for pre-alignment checks, including tire pressure, suspension, and chassis inspections; 2. Conduct data detection by installing sensors on all four wheels, securing the steering wheel and brake pedal, lifting the vehicle, and setting parameters for testing; 3. Perform alignment adjustments based on the data, making corresponding adjustments to the four-wheel alignment parameters of each tire according to the degree of deviation. Once the adjustments are complete, test drive the vehicle on the road. Four-wheel alignment is based on the vehicle's four-wheel parameters, adjusted to ensure optimal driving performance and reliability. The installation of a car's steering wheels, steering knuckles, and front axle has specific relative positions, known as steering wheel alignment or front-wheel alignment.
I've been repairing cars for over twenty years, and wheel alignment is a fairly common procedure. The entire process is completed on a professional platform: first, the vehicle is parked steadily on a level surface with the handbrake securely engaged, then sensors are installed on all four wheels. The equipment automatically scans and measures angles, including camber (wheel tilt), toe (wheel parallelism), and caster (steering wheel stability angle). After reading the data, manual adjustments are made to the suspension system's screws, tie rods, or control arms—tightening or loosening them to calibrate the position. Once adjustments are complete, a test drive is essential to check if the car drives straight and if the steering wheel is centered. Don’t forget to verify that the tire pressure is consistent and that suspension components aren’t worn out. It’s recommended that car owners perform this every 10,000 kilometers or address it immediately if they notice steering drift or uneven tire wear—this enhances safety and extends tire life.
As an average car owner, I always feel the car drives better after each wheel alignment. The process relies on professional tools: the vehicle is positioned on the service lift, and the technician uses a laser alignment tool or computer sensors to measure wheel angles. During adjustments, the focus is on parameters like camber and toe, manually turning the adjustment screws; a test drive ensures smooth operation afterward. I find this quite important, as neglecting it can cause the car to pull to one side, increase fuel consumption, or even pose safety risks. Normally, I watch for uneven tire wear as a prompt for maintenance. The cost is around 200 yuan, but it prevents major repairs, extends component lifespan, and makes highway driving more stable afterward.
