Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is setting the angles of the wheels so that the car drives straight and the tyres wear evenly.
What is Wheel Alignment?
The main angles are toe, camber and caster. They are measured on an alignment rig and compared with the manufacturer's values. On many cars only toe can be adjusted; other angles change only if parts are bent or worn.
How it works
The technician measures each wheel with cameras or sensors and adjusts the tie rods and other adjusters until the values are within limits.
Why it matters for your car
Wrong alignment makes the car pull, leaves the steering wheel off-centre and wears tyres quickly. Check it after hitting a kerb or replacing steering parts.
Other terms
- Alternator Pulley (Overrunning Pulley)
- Battery Electrolyte (Battery Acid)
- Biodiesel (FAME)
- Blow-off Valve (Diverter Valve)
- Boost Pressure
- Brake Caliper Slide Pins (Guide Pins)
- Clock Spring (Steering Wheel Spiral Cable)
- Dual Injection (Port And Direct)
- Electric Power Steering (EPS)
- Fuel Cap
- Fuel Trim
- Headlight Condensation (Moisture In Headlights)
- High-voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL)
- Low Washer Fluid Warning
- Open Circuit
- Positive Earth Electrical System
- Rain Sensor
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF)
- Tyre Age (DOT Date Code)
- Wheel Trims (Hubcaps)