Tire alignment is one of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance. Properly aligned tires can improve your gas mileage, prolong the life of your tires, and improve the handling of your vehicle.
There are three main types of tire alignment: camber, toe, and caster. Camber is the angle of the tire in relation to the ground when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. Toe is the angle of the tire in relation to the centerline of the vehicle. Caster is the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis. You can browse the best alignment places near me in your search box to find the tire alignment place in your area.
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Most vehicles have a camber adjustment on all four wheels, but some only have it on the front two. Toe adjustments are usually made on both front and rear wheels. Caster adjustments are typically only made on front-wheel drive vehicles; however, some rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles may also have a caster adjustment.
If your vehicle pulls to one side while driving, it may be an indication that your tires are out of alignment. Other signs that your tires may need to be aligned include uneven wear patterns on your tires, and a steering wheel that is not centered when driving straight ahead.
If you suspect your tires are out of alignment, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or tire specialist to have it checked. Many reputable shops offer free alignment checks and will provide you with a printout showing the before and after measurements for each type of alignment.