Wheel alignments are required every few years. Improper alignment creates handling issues that decrease driver safety and increase your maintenance bills. These services come in two main types, and here’s what you should know about them to schedule the right appointment for your vehicle.

What’s the Difference Between Two & Four-Wheel Alignments?

Also known as front-end alignment, two-wheel work focuses exclusively on the front of the vehicle. SUVs, trucks, and other cars with solid rear axles do not have independent suspensions and therefore do not need all four wheels adjusted. These typically include camber, caster, and toe adjustments. Camber refers to the tilt of the wheel, while the caster is the angle or line made by the upper and lower pivot points. Toe measures how much the leading wheels edge toward or away from each other. Two-wheel services may also include thrust angle adjustments to check how square all four wheels are in relation to each other.

Four-wheel alignments concern all four wheels to keep vehicles with independent suspension systems functional. These require front caster and toe adjustments, and rear camber and toe adjustments to keep the wheels in their correct positions. Most passenger vehicles rely on this service.

When Do I Need This?

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend getting wheel alignments every two to three years, or any time you experience handling challenges. Misaligned wheels cause tires to wear unevenly. This is especially true for the front ones, which take the brunt of turns. You may also notice your car pulling to the side, a loose, uneven, or vibrating steering wheel, and squealing tire noises.

If your vehicle experiences any of these problems, the technician will let you know which type of alignment you need. The service will take about an hour, providing you with a safer, more efficient car. 

Don’t let wheel alignment issues result in poor handling and premature tire repairs. Contact Oak Hollow Tire Center in High Point, NC, for alignment and tire services. Offering a full range of top tire brands, including Bridgestone®, Firestone®, and Fuzion®, they work with SUVs, light trucks, and passenger cars. Call (336) 841-6553 today to schedule an appointment, or learn more about alignments on their website.