Determining if a vehicle’s wheels are correctly aligned is crucial for optimal handling, tire longevity, and overall driving safety. Misalignment occurs when the suspension angles deviate from the manufacturer’s specified parameters. A common manifestation of this condition is the vehicle pulling to one side during straight-line driving, requiring constant steering correction to maintain a consistent course.
Proper wheel alignment offers significant advantages, including extended tire life due to even wear patterns, improved fuel efficiency resulting from reduced rolling resistance, and enhanced vehicle stability, leading to a safer and more comfortable driving experience. Historically, alignment was a purely mechanical process. Modern systems, however, utilize sophisticated computer diagnostics to achieve precise adjustments.