WHEEL  ALIGNMENT

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What Is wheel alignment?
Alignment refers to the position of the wheels of the vehicle relative to each other and the ground.

Why is proper wheel alignment so important?
In the long run, it will prolong the life of your car, and save you money. Good wheel alignment results in better fuel mileage. It extends tire life on rear tires as well as front tires. In fact, the most common cause of unusual tire wear is improper alignment.

A periodic alignment means less strain on steering and suspension parts, increased directional stability, and easier steering. You'll get a better, more comfortable ride. Perhaps most important of all, you'll ensure safe driving.

How often should you have your car aligned?
Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation noted in your owner's manual. As a general rule, have your alignment checked every 10,000 miles or once a year.

What different types of alignments are there?

• Two wheel geometric centerline alignment
  Toe on each front wheel is measured and adjusted using the vehicle's geometric centerline as reference. This will provide a satisfactory alignment only if the rear wheels are positioned squarely with the geometric centerline.
  
  
• Four-wheel thrust line alignment
  Rear individual toe is measured to determine the thrust line. The front wheels are then aligned relative to the thrust line. This sets all wheels parallel and centers the steering wheel.
  
  
• Complete four-wheel thrust line alignment
  Individual rear wheel angles are measured, then adjusted so the thrust line coincides with the geometric centerline. The front wheels are then aligned to the geometric centerline / thrustline. This sets all wheels straight ahead and parallel, and centers the steering wheel.

Why Is 4-wheel alignment recommended?
Your front wheels "steer" the vehicle, but your rear wheels "direct" the vehicle. Say your rear wheels are tilted to the right. Even if your steering wheel is pointed straight, your vehicle will travel left. Four-wheel alignment solves this problem by referencing all four wheels to a common centerline.

There are several adjustable angles that affect wheel alignment; camber, caster and toe.

Camber is the inward and outward tilt of the wheel at the top. Improper camber is the #1 factor for excessive pulling and #2 factor for poor tire wear.

Toe is the difference in distance between the front and back of the front or rear tires. Improper toe is the #1 factor for poor tire wear.

Caster is the backward or forward tilt at the top of the spindle support arm. Improper caster is the #2 factor for excessive pulling.

SAFE  DRIVING  TAKES  TEAMWORK!

Your steering system controls the direction of your vehicle, while your suspension system supports the weight of your vehicle. Though they have different jobs, your suspension and steering work together to do many things - control the vehicle, steer straight, get good, even tire wear, provide a smooth passenger ride and insure safe vehicle control.
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	Alignment Air conditioner Battery Brakes Cooling system	Oxygen sensors Steering & suspension Timing belt Transmission fluid Vehicle maintenance
Repair Checkpoints Tips Overview