What type of alignment should I get?
Diane’s Question: "What
type of alignment should I get? Two-wheel, four-wheel,
computer?"
You
should get a four-wheel computer alignment.
Wheel alignment should really be performed as routine
maintenance at least annually. Most cars with over
12,000 miles on the odometer are out of alignment
due to normal driving conditions like hitting parking
stops, rubbing curbs, potholes, and speed bumps."
In performing a four-wheel alignment the rear wheels
are adjusted to specification before any front wheel
adjustments are made. Because there is additional
work involved, the four-wheel alignment costs more.
All vehicles should be 4-wheel aligned. Two-wheel
alignments have become obsolete because they align
only the front wheels to the vehicle's centerline.
A two-wheel alignment assumes the rear wheels are
already aligned with the geometric centerline of
the vehicle. Two-wheel alignments may save you a
little money up front, but your vehicle's handling
and tire life will be compromised. Now, as far as
“computer” alignments go, there really is no other
type being offered nowadays. The old days of a mechanic
with a tape measure, level, and chalk are mostly
behind us. Lots of people use the word “computer”
in their advertising because it sounds like it’s
worth more money that way. In fact, it is, but everyone
doing alignments is using a computer.
A vehicle that is properly aligned is more enjoyable
to drive, needs less frequent tire replacement, and
will also contribute to better fuel efficiency since
there is less resistance when rolling along.
