For many car owners, the terms “2-wheel alignment” and “4-wheel alignment” may sound like two interchangeable services. After all, they both involve making sure your vehicle is aligned correctly. But there are some distinct differences between the two that you should be aware of before booking an alignment service at your local auto repair shop.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is a service performed by a technician who uses specialized equipment to make sure all four wheels are correctly positioned in relation to one another and the road surface. This ensures that your car drives straight, which helps enhance its performance and improves its fuel efficiency. Proper wheel alignment also helps prolong the life of your tires by reducing wear on them over time.
2-Wheel Alignment vs 4-Wheel Alignment: What’s the Difference?
The primary difference between 2-wheel and 4-wheel alignment comes down to which set of wheels are adjusted during the service itself. In a 2-wheel alignment, only two of the four wheels (typically just the front ones) are adjusted to get them into proper position relative to one another and to the road surface. In contrast, a 4-wheel alignment adjusts all four wheels in order to properly align them with each other and with the road surface.
When Should You Get a 2 or 4 Wheel Alignment?
The decision as to whether or not you need either type of wheel alignment will depend on several factors such as your car’s make, model, age and condition as well as how it drives on a daily basis. Generally speaking though, if you feel like your car is pulling slightly in one direction while driving or if you have recently had new tires installed on it then it likely needs an alignment service (either 2 or 4 wheel). Additionally, if you have recently hit a large pothole or curb then it’s probably best to get an inspection done at your local auto repair shop right away since this could throw off your car’s wheel angles beyond what can be adjusted during either type of wheel alignment service alone.
If Your Car Needs an Alignment Service
If you think that your vehicle requires either type of wheel alignment then bring it into Sartorial Auto Repairs in Santa Rosa for an inspection today! Our certified technicians can assess whether or not your vehicle needs just a 2 or 4 wheel adjustment – plus our state-of-the art facilities feature advanced equipment that can reorient all four wheels quickly and accurately so that no matter how busy life gets –you can always trust Sartorial Auto Repairs with keeping your car running smoothly!