【Automobile Knowledge Base】What is four-wheel alignment?

What is Four-wheel Alignment?

Four-wheel alignment, also known as "wheel correction " or "wheel positioning", refers to adjusting the geometric angles between the four wheels of a car and the body of the car to ensure that the relative positions of the tires and the ground, and between the tires, meet the original design standards.

Main adjustment items of four-wheel alignment

1. Toe

   • Refers to the inward or outward angle of the left and right tires.
   • The purpose is to keep the wheels parallel while driving and reduce abnormal tire wear.

2. Camber

   • Refers to the angle at which the top of the tire tilts inward or outward when viewed from the front.
   • Positive camber: top cambers outward; negative camber: top cambers inward.
   • Affects grip, handling and tire wear.

3. Caster

   • Refers to the angle between the wheel steering pivot and the vertical line when viewed from the side.
   • Affects steering stability and direction returning ability.

4. Thrust Angle

   • Refers to the angle between the center line of the rear wheels and the center line of the vehicle body.
   • If there is a deviation, the vehicle will "go astray" or "tail".

Why do we need four-wheel alignment?

• Ensure driving safety
  • Prevent the vehicle from deviating to one side and avoid accidents.
• Improve driving comfort
  • The steering wheel will not vibrate or deflect while driving, making driving easier.
• Reduce abnormal tire wear
  • Extend tire life and save replacement costs.
• Improve fuel efficiency
  • Reduced tire resistance leads to lower fuel consumption.
• Maintain optimal handling performance
  • Keep the vehicle's steering sensitive and stable.

When is a four-wheel alignment necessary?

• After replacing new tires or suspension parts
• The vehicle has been involved in a collision, hit a curb or pothole
• Notice abnormal tire wear
• The steering wheel is tilted, shakes, or the car body leans to one side while driving
• Regular maintenance inspection (recommended once a year or after 10,000 kilometers)

Summarize

Four-wheel alignment is not as simple as simply making the wheels "go straight", but rather precisely adjusting the wheel angles to maintain the original factory design standards. Correct four-wheel alignment has a significant impact on driving safety, tire life, driving comfort and fuel consumption, and is a maintenance item that every car owner should pay attention to.