Standard Alignment
A standard alignment aligns the front wheels to the vehicle's centerline. No reference to the rear wheels or adjustment of the rear wheels is
made with this type of alignment. As cars have technologically
improved, so have suspension systems. As a result, alignment
equipment has been developed which allows us to reference the rear
wheels and align the front to the rear thrust line (thrust alignment). This
helps provide better tire wear and has made the typical standard
alignment almost obsolete. Although we still offer standard alignments,
we recommend you ask our alignment professionals which alignment is
best for your vehicle.
Thrust Alignment
A thrust alignment adjusts the front wheels only, however the alignment
equipment will reference the rear wheels and align the front wheels to
the rear thrust line. This allows our alignment sales and service person
to adjust the front wheels to specification in the position they will be
traveling straight down the road. Although no adjustment to the rear is
made, we can assure the front wheels are aligned to the highest degree
of accuracy and see any major alignment angle problems that may exist
at the rear wheels. A thrust alignment would be recommended on any
vehicle that had no rear adjustment available or an adjustable rear
suspension that was within specification.
Four Wheel Alignment
A four wheel alignment adjusts all four wheels to a common centerline. This allows our alignment sales and service person to align all four
wheels to the highest degree of accuracy, resulting in excellent handling
and tire mileage. Considering today's sophisticated suspension
systems a four wheel alignment is needed to return a vehicle to the level
of performance it was designed for. Approximately 90% of all front
wheel drive vehicles are designed to be four wheel aligned. A four wheel
alignment would be recommended on any vehicle that has an adjustable
rear suspension.
NOTE: If we find your rear wheels are within alignment specifications,
we will only charge for a thrust alignment. |
