Four-Wheel Alignment vs. Front-End Alignment

Four-wheel alignment is also known as all-wheel alignment, and it means what it sounds like: our technicians will adjust the alignment on all four wheels as needed. If you drive an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle with independent suspension, four-wheel alignment is best. If your vehicle has a two-wheel drive or a solid rear axle, you’ll likely only need an alignment on the front two wheels.

What Are the Signs that My Nissan Needs a Four-Wheel Alignment Service?

Misaligned wheels can cause lots of trouble, and sometimes this trouble is noticeable. If your Nissan noticeably pulls to one side or the other as you’re driving down the road, it’s a sure sign that the alignment is off. But this isn’t the only symptom of misaligned wheels, and it isn’t always noticeably present. What’s worse, some of the other signs can be more subtle. Decreased ride smoothness or comfort can be hard to detect, especially if it happens slowly. Similarly, decreased fuel economy isn’t always easy to spot. If your tires are more worn on one edge than the other, alignment is likely at fault.

What Happens If I Don’t Get a Four-Wheel Alignment?

If you don’t get your wheels aligned when it’s needed, you’ll face several challenges. For one thing, your tires may begin to wear unevenly, as we mentioned above, which will make it necessary for you to change your tires more often than usual. You’ll find that your drive is less comfortable since you’ll have to adjust the vehicle continually. You’ll even end up putting yourself in danger since a momentary lapse in focus might send you veering out of your lane.

How Often Should I Get a Four-Wheel Alignment?

At Bommarito Nissan Ballwin, we recommend having a four-wheel alignment performed every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.