Is a full alignment just for 4-wheel drive vehicles? Can a front-wheel drive vehicle survive with just a front end alignment?
Looking to cut repair costs…
- Jinx
Speaking as a working member of the UAW, I can assure you that a full, four-wheel allignment is not just for 4-wheel drive vehicles. It’s for everybody! Front-wheel drive cars are not exempt from this rule, sorry to tell you. Now, if it’s necessary for your vehicle at this time is another story. Your rear wheels may not need allignment, but it’s good to get them checked anyway. Go to a mechanic that you trust and have them give you a reccomendation. If they are at all trustworthy, they will give you an honest opinion about the state of allignment, and it should cost nothing (or next to nothing. I don’t charge for just looking in my shop). Go get a second opinion somewhere if you want to be sure. Keeping your wheels alligned is extremely important. Mis-alligned wheels can cause extreme tire wear, steering innacuracy, and damage to your suspension, all of which can cost you mega-bucks compared to a simple allignment. I’ve seen a few pre-80’s cars whose rear wheels had gotten out of line so badly that they were literaly going down the road sideways! While this is much more rare today (better suspension design) it is still a possibility. So, bear down and spend the extra money is my advice. Your car will thank you for it!