Front End Alignment Process

When your vehicle is not aligned, it can result in wearing of your tires, which can be dangerous. The process of getting your front end aligned is not as difficult as it may seem, and is worth the time it takes for it to be done properly.

• When you take your vehicle to an auto shop, the mechanic must first make sure that the car is on a flat surface before he begins to raise the vehicle up. When the mechanic raises your car up, he ensures that the jack is not placed on the plastic portion of your vehicle. If he were to place it on this part of your car, it would crack.


• Once the vehicle is raised, he marks the tires to determine the degree in which your tires are misaligned. In order to do this yourself, you can ensure that the car is raised at least a couple of feet off of the ground and attach a vice to the ground underneath the front end of your vehicle. At the end of this piece, you will attach a piece of chalk so that it is secured tightly. Gently turn the wheels of your tire so that you are creating a line on your tire with the chalk. Once the chalk is marked on the tire, you can lower the car all the way to the ground.


• Measure the distance from the white line on the front of your tire to the back set of tires to ensure they are the same distance. If they are not, you must replace or readjust the tie rods. After the tie rods are handled, you must then ensure that the tires are aligned correctly by taking a level and sitting it against the tires. If your camber needs to be adjusted, you must take your vehicle to an auto mechanic.