Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment involves the positioning of the wheels in relation to your vehicle. When correctly aligned, the wheels are oriented in the correct direction. In the absence of proper alignment, the wheels oppose your steering inputs and may also work against each other.

Furthermore, alignment has a direct impact on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and the lifespan of your tires. When your tires are oriented in conflicting directions, they can generate friction and uneven tread wear. To assess and rectify alignment, modern cars utilize computerized alignment equipment, which measures a comprehensive range of alignment angles. This encompasses both angles that can be adjusted and those that cannot be altered (requiring suspension component repair or replacement).

The most frequently adjusted angles include:

Toe

This angle pertains to the slanted orientation of the wheels in relation to each other when observed from the top. “Toe” alignment is of utmost importance in terms of tire wear. When tires exhibit “toe-in,” they angle toward each other, while “toe-out” signifies that the tires are angled away from each other.

Camber

Camber alignment involves the wheel’s inclination either toward or away from each other as seen from the front. When wheels slant inward toward the vehicle, it’s referred to as “negative camber,” and when they slant outward, it’s called “positive camber.”

Caster

Caster alignment pertains to the angle of the steering axis concerning an imaginary vertical line passing through the wheel’s center when observed from the side. When the vertical line tilts backward toward the rear, it’s termed “positive caster,” and when it tilts forward, it’s referred to as “negative caster.” Achieving the correct caster angle is essential for enhancing your car’s steering stability.

Thrust Angle

Alignment, in this context, concerns the interconnection of all four wheels with one another and their alignment with an imaginary center line extending from the front bumper to the rear bumper. The concept of the “thrust line” indicates the direction in which the rear wheels are oriented. In the case of vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions, thrust angle can be rectified. However, for cars featuring non-adjustable suspensions, thrust angle is addressed by aligning the front wheels to match the direction of the rear wheels.

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