Alignment

Wheel alignment is often called suspension alignment, and is one element you need to include when maintaining a vehicle. Car alignments are designed to fine-tune the suspension system, allowing the tires to point in the correct direction.

Most auto repair shops, tire shops, and dealerships perform wheel alignments.  Not all alignments are created equal; and every shop has its own standards and process.

At Shadetree Automotive, we are very particular about the way we perform lineups.  The difference between a lineup that is quickly put into allowable specifications versus a technician taking the time to adjust all adjustment settings to optimal alliance makes a huge difference.  The way the vehicle drives, the way it performs in turns and the way it wears tires will all be affected between okay and excellent.

Shadetree Automotive Alignment Repair

Our mechanics have spent years performing alignments and have attended multiple classes to gain a complete understanding of how to perform proper adjustments to your vehicle.  The experience our mechanics have in this area is why many area shops, body shops, and some dealers bring vehicles to us to perform the alignment.  Our mechanics know how to do it properly and take pride in being the best.

Here is the simplified explanation of how we perform our vehicle alignments:

1. Test Drive. We perform a thorough test drive before pulling the vehicle into the shop. Our mechanic drives your vehicle on a couple of different road surfaces.  They are paying close attention to how it rides and steers.  Is it pulling one way or another?  Does the steering wheel return to the center after a turn?  Does it feel too tight or too loose? Etc.
2. Inspection. Perform a thorough inspection of the steering and suspension systems.  We pull the vehicle onto a two-post hoist and raise it in the air.  We then check all steering and suspension components.  If there is excessive wear in any of the components, there is no reason to move forward with the alignment.  That would be wasting our time and your money.
3. Alignment Rack. Once we have confirmed the steering and suspension components are within specification, we move the vehicle onto our alignment rack.  This is a specific piece of equipment that we use for alignments only.  It is a scissor-style lift that has turn tables on the front and slips plates in the rear.  This equipment allows us to make adjustments to your alignment specifications without it binding upon the tires.
4. Alignment Software Testing. We enter all the vehicle info into the software.  It then measures the current alignment and compares it to the manufacturer’s suggested measurements.  We then strategically adjust every adjustment available to optimum specification.  Some vehicles only have a couple of adjustments but some vehicles have multiple.  We work on a lot of European vehicles and they are great about giving us multiple adjustment points.
5. Test Drive. After setting all adjustments at optimal specifications, the mechanic performs another extended test drive.  Once again we are verifying the steering wheel is straight and it doesn’t pull one way or the other excessively.

Contact our automotive shop in Layton, UT for vehicle alignment needs. Shadetree Automotive specializes in helping customers get back on the road safely, affordably, and in a timely manner. Call our office today to schedule your next vehicle repair need, (801) 771-6711.