What is Four-Wheel Alignment?
2 Answers
Four-wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusted to ensure good driving performance and certain reliability. Since the installation of car tires, steering mechanisms, and front and rear axles should have specific angles and relative positions, correcting the angles and positions between the chassis and tire components constitutes four-wheel alignment. The following are reasons for performing four-wheel alignment: 1. Severe vehicle drift to one side, and noticeable uneven tire wear, possibly on the outer or inner side of the tire. 2. The vehicle has been involved in a significant collision that affected the tires. 3. Parts on the vehicle frame or axle suspension have been disassembled. 4. When two or more tires have been replaced.
After driving for so many years, I've realized that wheel alignment is actually a method of adjusting the angles of the wheels to ensure the tires firmly grip the ground. Imagine the steering wheel pulling to one side or the tires wearing unevenly—this is often caused by misalignment. For someone like me who frequently drives long distances, proper wheel alignment makes highway driving more stable, steering effortless, and significantly improves safety. If neglected, the chassis and suspension system can gradually deform, wear increases, and even fuel consumption creeps up. Regular alignment checks, such as after changing tires or hitting a pothole, and having a repair shop measure angles like toe and camber with professional equipment, can save you from major repairs with just a small investment.
