What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. This is important for several reasons:

1. Tire wear: When the wheels are not properly aligned, it can cause uneven tire wear. This means that certain parts of the tire will wear out faster than others, leading to the need for premature tire replacement.

2. Vehicle handling: Proper wheel alignment ensures that the vehicle drives straight and handles properly. If the wheels are misaligned, the vehicle may pull to one side or the steering may feel loose or unresponsive.

3. Fuel efficiency: Misaligned wheels can also affect fuel efficiency. When the wheels are not aligned, it can cause the vehicle to work harder to move forward, resulting in increased fuel consumption.

To perform a wheel alignment, a technician will use specialized equipment to measure the angles of the wheels and make adjustments as necessary. This typically involves adjusting the camber, caster, and toe angles of the wheels.

Camber refers to the vertical tilt of the wheels. If the top of the wheel tilts inward or outward, it is considered a negative or positive camber, respectively. The technician will adjust the camber angle to ensure that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground.

Caster refers to the angle of the steering axis. It affects the stability and steering feel of the vehicle. The technician will adjust