What’s the difference between a two wheel vs four wheel alignment? To put it simply, the two wheel alignment is done by aligning the front two wheels of your car, while the four wheel alignment is done by aligning the four wheels of your car.

If you commute daily with a car, wheel alignment is crucial to maintain your car’s performance. But did you know that there are two of the common types of wheel alignments?

There are two wheel and four wheel alignment, dire to know the differences between these two? Let’s get into our article!

What is A Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment or also known as tire alignment is a process of adjusting your car’s steering and suspension system.

Because your suspension connects your car to the wheel, your suspension will impact how your tires make contact with the road.

While being aligned, the mechanics will adjust your steering and suspension system to ensure that your tires are at an optimal angle.

This will ensure that your car will go straight without pulling to one side thus improving overall safety for you, your passengers, and other people.

There are few signs that you can identify if your car needs a tire alignment, such as your car pulling to one side when you take your hand off the steering wheel.

Also, you can identify some uneven wear on your tire if your car needs an alignment, and last but not least is if your steering wheel is off-center when driving straight or vibrates when you accelerate.

If you notice those problems, it is best to immediately send your car to the auto shop and get it checked and repaired.

But the general rule of thumb is, you need to check and realign your vehicle at least once a year, or following any event that could impact your vehicle’s alignment. This includes if your vehicle hits a pothole or curb.

Two Wheel Vs Four Wheel Alignment

There are two methods of alignment that are commonly found and done by the automotive professionals.

1. Two Wheel Alignment

Two wheel alignment or commonly also known as front-end alignment is a process that involves adjusting just your vehicle’s front steering and suspension.

The two wheel alignment is done to the vehicle with a solid and fixed rear axle, thus impossible to adjust, those said vehicles including trucks, SUVs, classic cars or cars made by specific manufacturers.

With the two wheel alignment the technician may adjust the toe, camber, caster and the thrust angle of your vehicle.

Toe, caster and camber are parameters that determine the alignment of your car tire, while the thrust angle adjustment measures the axles and wheelbase of the vehicle and ensures its power delivery.

2. Four Wheel Alignment

Four wheel alignment is needed on most of today’s modern cars. Like its name implies, if you conduct a four wheel alignment, the technician will inspect and adjust all of the four wheels and also suspension on your car.

And also the same like two wheel alignment, the technician will adjust any camber, toe, and caster angles to ensure your car runs smoothly.

Like we stated before, most of the modern vehicles, including a small SUV, crossovers and vans are able to be adjusted.

The general rule of thumb is that if you can align all four tires, you should go with the four wheel alignment.

3. Rear End Alignment

The last one is the rear end alignment. This type of wheel alignment is necessary if you drive a vehicle with a dynamic steering or independent rear suspension.

Same like the others, the camber, caster and toes of the rear of the vehicle will be adjusted.

Well there you have it! The complete explanation about two wheel vs four wheel alignment!