4-wheel alignment

What is 4-wheel alignment?

4-wheel alignment — also called wheel alignment or geometry — is a precise measurement and adjustment of the angles of all four wheels in relation to the car and the road. Three main angles are measured and adjusted: camber (the wheel's inward/outward angle viewed from the front), caster (the steering axis angle forward/backward viewed from the side) and toe (how much the wheels point inward or outward viewed from above). Correct alignment ensures the car drives straight without pulling, gives even tire wear and predictable steering response.

Symptoms of bad alignment

The classic signs are the car pulling to one side when you release the steering wheel on a straight road, uneven tire wear (the inside edge of the tire on one side is more worn than the opposite side), the steering wheel sitting crooked even when the car is driving straight, and the tires "squealing" in corners or at low-speed turns. You may also experience poor handling — the car feels unstable or "wobbly" on the motorway, or steering seems sluggish. Each of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean alignment alone is the problem, but it's often the start of the investigation.

When do you need 4-wheel alignment?

We recommend 4-wheel alignment in several situations: after an accident or collision (even a light parking knock can change alignment), after suspension service where you have replaced shocks, springs or tie rod ends, after driving into a big pothole or over a high curb, after lowering or raising the car, or as a preventive measure every other year. Many people don't notice that alignment is slightly off — the car may pull 5 mm to one side without you realising it, but the tires still wear unevenly and can lose half their expected life.

How is 4-wheel alignment performed?

The car is driven up on a specialised ramp with attachment points for laser sensors on each wheel. The computer compares measured values with the manufacturer's original values (tolerances typically ±0.15 degrees) and shows us which angles need adjustment. On most cars toe can be adjusted on all four wheels, while camber and caster are often factory-set on the front axle and only adjustable with special parts or after damage. We measure first, document "before" values, adjust and remeasure to confirm everything is within specification.

2-wheel alignment vs 4-wheel alignment

2-wheel alignment — standard on older cars — measures only the front axle. It works if the rear axle is a rigid axle with no adjustment possibility, but on modern cars with independent rear suspension, 4-wheel alignment gives substantially better results. The rear wheels can also be out of alignment, and on a modern car it is important that front and rear wheels point in the same direction. We always perform 4-wheel alignment unless the car unambiguously has a rigid rear axle without adjustment.

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