Four
Wheel Alignment
The term, especially
"four wheel alignment" conjures up visions of inscrutable
equipment and highly specialized automotive service. Even drivers
who understand the term "tune-up" are often mystified
by "alignment." And the new trend toward four-wheel alignment
can appear to be an expensive service for which the unwary motorist
seems to be paying extra. Don't reject out of hand the terms "alignment"
or "four wheel alignment" the next time a service technician
recommends it to you, advises Perfect Circle, a well-known supplier
of aftermarket chassis, engine and sealing products. Alignment is
an important service that your car really needs from time to time.
Mike Jones, Perfect Circle Chassis Marketing Specialist, advises
that alignment is recommended for today's cars and light trucks
in at least four situations:
- When you buy new
tires. "In fact," says Jones, "if your old tires
wore unevenly, bad alignment could be the reason they had to be
replaced, and the same thing could happen quickly to your brand-new
tires!"
- When you have a rack
& pinion steering unit or certain other steering parts in
your car replaced, alignment is necessary;
- When certain warning
signs appear on your car, indicating that alignment is needed;
- Or about every 30,000
miles, whether warning signs appear or not.
 
Just What Is An Alignment
"Basically, alignment
is mak- ing sure the wheels are operating parallel with one another,
and that the tires meet the road at the correct angle. Wheel alignment
is much simpler than most people think," explains Perfect Circle's
Jones. "It is simply adjusting the relationship between the suspension
and steering components, the wheels, and the frame of the vehicle."
"Carmakers recommend certain measurement specifications for each
of these angles on every one of their vehicles. When the angles
are all as specified, the car or truck is properly aligned, and
the best possible compromise has been achieved among minimum rolling
friction, maximum tire mileage, stability of the car on the road,
and steering control for the driver." "Everyday road shock and
general wear and tear can knock some of these angles out of spec.
When that happens, control of the vehicle may be threatened, and
the tires may begin to wear unevenly and rapidly. The car needs
to be `realigned,' to have all the proper angles restored," Jones
concluded.
We have the best alignment professionals
to serve all your vehicle needs.
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