What does the term “wheel alignment” refer to?

Wheel alignment specifically refers to the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels of a vehicle so they are set to the manufacturer’s specifications. This is crucial for ensuring optimal handling, tire wear, and overall vehicle performance. Proper alignment ensures that all four wheels are pointing in the correct direction relative to each other and the road, which directly affects how the vehicle drives and how the tires contact the road surface.

The adjustment of wheel angles involves parameters such as camber, caster, and toe. Camber affects the vertical tilt of the wheels, caster influences steering stability, and toe refers to the direction the wheels point relative to the vehicle's centerline. When these angles are set to the recommended specifications, the vehicle operates smoothly and maintains proper contact with the road, reducing tire wear and improving overall safety.

In contrast, adjusting tire pressure focuses on ensuring that tires are inflated to the correct levels for safety and performance but does not alter the angles of the wheels. Balancing weight distribution is more about how weight is distributed across the vehicle and can affect handling but does not specifically involve changing wheel angles. Tire rotation is aimed at promoting even tire wear over time but does not relate to the alignment of the wheels.