While driving along the road, you may find yourself battling with the steering wheel as your vehicle appears to want to drift to the right or left without warning. Is this anything you have experienced before? If you are having troubles like this, it may be time for an alignment. When you have your vehicle’s alignment checked, you are guaranteeing a safer and smoother ride while also extending the life of your tires. In addition to having your wheels aligned, it ensures excellent drivability while burning less energy (fuel savings). While most modern cars recommend a 4-wheel alignment, your car may only require a 2-wheel, or front-end alignment. So, what is the difference between a front-end alignment and a 4-wheel alignment?
Front-End Alignment
A front-end alignment is also referred to as a two-wheel alignment. As the name implies, the mechanic will only perform wheel alignment on the vehicle’s front wheels. It may incorporate toe, camber, and caster adjustments, among other features. Some vehicles are equipped with a solid rear axle that never needs to be adjusted. In addition to doing a front-end alignment, the technician may be required to execute what is known as a “thrust angle adjustment.” In general, it is a method that allows the technician to assess whether each of the four wheels is “square” with the other three wheels.
Four-Wheel Alignment
In most cases, if your vehicle is an all-wheel-drive type with separate suspensions, it will require a four-wheel alignment to function correctly. As you could expect, this four-wheel alignment procedure typically entails the adjustment of all four wheels at the same time. A caster and a front toe adjustment are included in the service. The rear wheels will have their camber and toe adjusted, as will the front wheels.
Understanding When You Need Wheel Alignment Services
You don’t need to know or understand the specific differences between the two types of wheel alignment services. If you notice any indicators of wheel misalignment (for example, the vehicle is dragging to one side). In that case, your car may require professional assistance. The mechanic will determine if a front-end or four-wheel alignment is necessary.
ASE-Certified Mechanics In Blaine Minnesota
Bring your vehicle to Clark Automotive in Blaine, MN if you notice that the steering is a little shacky. To check for alignment, our ASE-certified mechanics employ the most up-to-date equipment. Allowing the situation to persist may result in excessive and premature tire wear. Clark Automotive can perform both two-wheel/front-end and four-wheel alignment services on vehicles of any make or model, of any year. Contact us at (763) 784-7944 with any questions or fill out the contact form to schedule an appointment.
