Alignment
Summit Automotive Group uses the newest, top of the line Hunter Engineering alignment equipment to give you the best possible alignment.
How Hunter Wheel Alignment Technology Works
The technician's first step when aligning your car is to inspect for damaged or worn parts that will prevent proper alignment of the car.
Then he measures the car's current alignment measurements and angles. This is done by mounting an electronic sensor on each of the car's four wheels.
The sensors use infrared beams to measure the position and angle of each wheel and determine exactly in which direction each wheel is pointing. A car severely out of alignment may have all four wheels pointing in different directions.
As the technician steers the wheels to various positions for a complete set of alignment measurement, the sensors send the information to the aligner's computer console. The computer compares your car's current alignment measurements to the manufacturer's (O.E.M.) specifications in its database.
The aligner then provides the technician with the exact information he needs to adjust your car's alignment to match factory specifications.
What Everyone Should Know
About Wheel Alignment
On the vehicle below, the front wheels are not aligned to
the rear thrust line. This can happen from normal wear and stress, whether
your vehicle has adjustable or non–adjustable rear suspension.
To steer straight ahead, you would have to steer the front wheels
slightly to the right.
A common result would be that the vehicle would "dog track" and
possibly "pull" to the side.
Of course, the angles are exaggerated so you can more easily see the
condition. But it takes only a small misalignment to create problems.
Why Four Wheel Alignment?
Reduced Tire Wear
Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear. Over the
years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to tire life.
Better Gas Mileage
Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment
sets all four wheel parallel which, along with proper inflation, minimizes
rolling resistance.
Improved Handling
Does your car pull to one side? Does the steering wheel vibrate? Do you
constantly have to move the steering wheel to keep your car traveling
straight ahead? Many handling problems can be corrected by total
alignment. With all the system components aligned properly, road shock is
more efficiently absorbed for a smoother ride.
Safer Driving
A suspension system inspection is part of our alignment procedure. This
allows us to spot worn parts before they cause costly problems.
Here's what we do:
For vehicles with non–adjustable
rear suspensions
- Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
- The steering wheel is centered.
- Front wheels are referenced to rear thrust line and set to
specifications.
Result: All four wheels are parallel and the steering wheel is
centered.
For vehicles with adjustable rear
suspensions
- Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
- Rear wheels are set to specification. (Rear thrust line corresponds
to vehicle centerline.)
- Steering wheel is centered.
- Front wheels are referenced to the rear thrust line and set to
specification.
Result: all four wheels are positioned straight ahead and parallel,
and the steering wheel is centered.
Important Questions About Wheel Alignment
Q. How important is wheel alignment?
A. Think of it this way. Research indicates that the average car
is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with toe alignment just 0.34
degrees (Just 0.17 inches) out of specification has dragged its tires
sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year!
Q. What are the "symptoms" of a car that's out of alignment?
A. Have your car checked if you notice:
- Excessive or uneven tire wear.
- Steering wheel pulls to the left or right.
- Feeling of looseness or wandering.
- Steering wheel vibration or shimmy.
- Steering wheel is not centered when car is moving straight ahead.
Q. How often should I have my car aligned?
A. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation noted in
your owner's manual. But, as a general rule, have your vehicle's tires
checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.
943 Blue River Parkway
