What does four-wheel alignment mean?
2 Answers
Four-wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusted to ensure good driving performance and certain reliability. The installation of the steering wheels, steering knuckles, and front axle of a car has a certain relative position. This installation with a specific relative position is called steering wheel alignment, also known as front-wheel alignment. Front-wheel alignment includes four aspects: kingpin inclination (angle), kingpin caster (angle), wheel camber (angle), and toe-in. Rear-wheel alignment includes wheel camber (angle) and individual rear-wheel toe-in. Collectively, these adjustments are referred to as four-wheel alignment. Its purpose is to maintain stable straight-line driving and easy steering, while reducing wear on the tires and steering components during driving.
Once while I was driving, I noticed the steering wheel kept pulling to the left, and one side of the tires was wearing out unusually fast. It wasn't until I took it to the repair shop that I learned it was a wheel alignment issue. Simply put, wheel alignment is about adjusting the angles of all four wheels so they point straight ahead, not crooked. It mainly involves adjusting the suspension settings, such as the vertical tilt of the wheels and the front-to-rear steering alignment, ensuring a smooth drive. Without proper alignment, the car tends to drift, tires wear unevenly, leading to more frequent replacements and increased expenses. I personally check it every 20,000 kilometers or after driving on bumpy roads. Spending a bit on alignment saves a lot of hassle. Driving safety comes first—timely alignment ensures better handling, especially on highways, giving peace of mind. It's best not to delay it.
