Types of Alignments

Centerline 2-Wheel Alignment

A "geometric centerline" alignment involves aligning only the two front steering wheels, using the vehicle's centerline as the only reference. This is outdated and should never be used for any alignments.

Thrust-Line Alignment

Thrust-line alignment considers the actual location and direction of the rear wheels. Never assume that the thrust line is parallel to the geometric centerline. When adjusting the front wheels, the front wheel alignment should be set parallel to the direction of the rear wheel, in reference to the actual thrust line.

Total 4-Wheel Alignment

Total 4-wheel alignment is possible on a vehicle that features both front and rear wheel adjustments. All four wheels are aligned while referencing and adjusting thrust line. You receive maximum mileage from all four tires. Steering wheel is centered.

The Benefits Are...

Reduced Tire Wear

Improper alignment is a major cause or premature tire wear. Over the years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to tire life.

Safer Driving

A suspension system inspection is part of our alignment procedure. This allows us to spot worn parts before they cause costly problems.

Better Gas Mileage

Fuel mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheels parallel, which along with proper inflation, minimizes rolling resistance.

Important Questions About Wheel Alignment

Question: How important is wheel alignment?

Answer: Think of it this way. Research indicates that the average car is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with alignment out of specifications has dragged its tires sideways for over 68 miles by the end of the year.

Question: What are the "symptoms" of a car that's out of alignment?

Answer: Excessive or uneven tire wear. Steering wheel pull to left or right. Feeling of looseness or wandering. Steering wheel vibration or shimmy. Steering wheel is not centered when car is moving straight ahead.

Question: How often should I have my car aligned?

Answer: Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation noted in your owner's manual. But, as a general rule, have your vehicle's tires checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.

Wheel Alignment: To find out if you need an alignment, first check each tire and look for uneven wear patterns. If you can see a wear pattern it may be too late to save that tire. This is why it is a good idea to have your alignment checked periodically.

Run your hand back and forth across the tread, being careful not to cut yourself on any debris or exposed steel belt wire. If the tread is smooth in one direction, but jagged in the other you have what is called a "saw-tooth" wear pattern which is caused by a toe-in problem. Have the alignment checked as soon as possible as this condition causes rapid tire wear.

Another indication of an out-of-alignment condition is a car that continuously drifts or pulls to one side of the road when you let go of the wheel. A car that is hard to keep in a straight line without constant steering corrections is also a candidate. These conditions may or may not also contribute to premature fire wear.
A wheel alignment cannot be done on a car with loose or worn front end parts. The technician will first check for worn parts and inform you of any problems before beginning the alignment.

The best type of wheel alignment is a four wheel alignment. Many cars today have adjustable rear alignment settings, but even for cars without adjustments in the rear, a four wheel alignment will allow the technician to identify any rear tracking problems and compensate for them with adjustments to the front.

After the wheel alignment is finished, you should drive the car on a straight and level road and check that the car goes straight and that the steering wheel is in the proper position with the spokes level. If you notice a problem, take the car back and have the technician drive it and fine-tune the alignment settings.

Wheel Balance: Out-of-balance tires will cause a car to vibrate at certain speeds, usually between 50 and 70 mph. A tire is out of balance when one section of the tire is heavier than the others. One ounce of imbalance on a front tire is enough to cause a vibration in the steering wheel at about 60-mph. To balance a wheel, the technician will mount it on a balancing machine, which spins the wheel to locate the heavier part. He will then compensate for the heavy part by attaching a lead weight on the opposite side. Many people are pleasantly surprised at how smooth their car drives after balancing all four wheels.

Most high quality tires will hold their balance fairly well and go out of balance very gradually. If you notice a vibration that wasn't there the day before, it is possible that one of the lead balancing weights fell off. If you feel the vibration mostly in the steering wheel, the problem is most likely in a front wheel. If the vibration is mostly in the seat, the problem is in the rear.

For those of you who are very sensitive about vibrations and your shop can't seem to get that last bit of vibration out, check to see if you have locking wheel lugs. Some locking lugs are about 1.5 ounces heavier than the other lug nuts, which translate to about .5 ounces at the wheel rim.