Alignment
The adjustment of a vehicle's suspension angles to ensure wheels are set to the manufacturer's specifications, affecting tire wear and handling.
Wheel alignment, sometimes called tire alignment, refers to the precise adjustment of a vehicle's suspension system — the mechanism that connects the vehicle to its wheels. Contrary to common belief, alignment does not involve adjusting the tires or wheels themselves, but rather the angles at which the tires make contact with the road surface.
Three primary angles are measured and adjusted during an alignment service: camber (the inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front), toe (the direction the tires point relative to the vehicle's centerline), and caster (the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side). Each manufacturer specifies exact values for these angles.
Proper alignment is essential for even tire wear, predictable handling, and fuel efficiency. Symptoms of misalignment include the vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tread wear patterns, a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, and squealing tires. Alignment should be checked annually, after hitting a significant pothole or curb, or when installing new tires.
Modern alignment equipment uses cameras and laser sensors mounted to each wheel to measure angles with precision down to fractions of a degree. A qualified mechanic can then adjust suspension components — typically tie rods, control arms, and strut mounts — to bring all angles within specification.