what happens when you get a wheel alignment?

Question

can someone explain to me what is done to a vehicle when it gets an alignment. laymen terms too please. i know a small amount of stuff about cars but not all that much so do your best at being as simple as possible but explain yourself at the best of your ability. thanks for the info!

Answer 1

A wheel alignment is part of standard automobile maintenance that consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the car maker's specification. The purpose of these adjustments is maximum tire life and vehicle-travel that is straight and true when driving along a straight and level road, although most machines and the technicians who use them set the alignment to adjust for crowned roads, as well as correct tracking when driving on turns.

There are 2 types of angles that adjustments should be made regularly during the life of an automobile. The first type is called the Primary Angles and second type is called Secondary Angles.

Within Primary Angles, there are three adjustment parameters involved on each axle in order to properly align a vehicle. These adjustments are camber, caster and toe. It is important to note that on some cars, there may only be the ability to adjust for one or two of the parameters.

These three parameters can be further categorized into front and rear, so summarily the parameters are:
Front: Caster (Left & Right)
Front: Camber (Left & Right)
Front: Toe (Left, Right & Total)
Rear: Camber (Left & Right)
Rear: Toe (Left, Right & Total)
Rear: Thrust Angle



As for the Secondary Angles, the adjustment parameters are quite numerous. They are:
SAI (Left & Right)
Included Angle (Left & Right)
Toe out on turns (Left & Right)
Maximum Turns (Left & Right)
Toe curve change (Left & Right)
Setback (Front & Rear)
Track width difference
Wheel base difference
Front ride height (Left & Right)
Rear ride height (Left & Right)
Frame angle

Answer 2

Wheel alignment is important. This means that both front wheels are pointing straight ahead, and are parallel to each other. Poor alignment wastes gas, and wears tires down very quickly. Think of how your car would drive if one tire was turned part-way to the side, but the other was straight - that'll give you an idea of what this is.

They do it by loosening adjustable fittings, turning the wheels until they point ahead, and then tightening the fittings again. Have you seen a telescoping pole for a tent, or a paint roller? You know how they can be adjusted to the needed length? It's sort of similar to that. The mechanic can adjust where the front and back of the wheel sits, as well as the top, so that the tire tips in or out at the correct angle.

Answer 3

A 2 or 4 wheel alignment "trues " up your front and rear ends so as to provide a straight line of travel for your tires. Also reduces rolling resistance which can = more mpg !!

Answer 4

wheel alignment will wear out tyres on one edge quickly balancing will make steering wheel vibrate but do no damage