2 Wheel vs 4 Wheel Alignment: Which Does Your Car Need?
Both of our Tyres & Alignment centres offer 2 wheel and 4 wheel alignment, and it is a fair question which one to book. Here is the difference in plain terms.
In short: 2 wheel alignment measures and sets the front wheels. 4 wheel alignment measures all four, adjusts the rear too where the car allows it, and sets the fronts to match the direction the rear wheels are pointing. Cars with adjustable rear suspension, or rear tyres wearing unevenly, need 4 wheel.
2 Wheel Alignment
Often called front alignment or tracking. The front wheels are measured and the toe is adjusted so they point straight and parallel. It suits many everyday cars, particularly those with a simple rear axle that has no adjustment.
4 Wheel Alignment
All four wheels are measured. Where the rear suspension can be adjusted, the rear angles are set first, then the fronts are set to line up with the rear. That last part matters even on cars with no rear adjustment: if the rear axle points very slightly to one side, setting the fronts to it is what gets the steering wheel straight and the car tracking true.
Which One Should You Book?
- Your car has independent rear suspension with adjustment: many modern cars, SUVs, electric vehicles and performance cars do. 4 wheel.
- The rear tyres are wearing unevenly, or the car feels like it is crabbing slightly: 4 wheel.
- After rear suspension work, such as arms, bushes or springs: 4 wheel.
- A simple front-wheel-drive car with a fixed rear axle, pulling or wearing the front tyres: 2 wheel is usually enough.
Not sure what your car has? Give either centre a call and the team can advise.
Why Heavier Cars Need More Attention
Electric cars and large SUVs are heavy and very torquey, and they often run low-profile tyres that do not tolerate poor alignment. Uneven wear builds up quickly on them, so regular alignment checks pay off. The signs of misalignment are the same on any car: pulling, an off-centre wheel and uneven wear.
Book at Our Tyres & Alignment Centres
Book 2 or 4 wheel alignment at either centre. Our two dedicated Lindleys Tyres & Alignment centres measure and adjust alignment on the rig, and both offer 2 and 4 wheel alignment:
- Daleside Road, Colwick, NG2 4DH: 0115 704 4253
- Furlong Street, Arnold, NG5 7AQ: 0115 704 3109
Both are open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm. You can book wheel alignment online or give either team a call.
Checking the tyres before an alignment. Uneven wear on the rear tyres as well as the fronts is a sign the car may need 4 wheel alignment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 2 wheel and 4 wheel alignment?
2 wheel alignment measures and adjusts the front wheels. 4 wheel alignment measures all four, adjusts the rear where possible, and sets the front wheels to match the rear so the car runs straight with the steering wheel centred.
Does my car need 4 wheel alignment?
If it has adjustable rear suspension, which many modern cars, SUVs and electric cars do, or if the rear tyres are wearing unevenly, yes. Simpler cars with a fixed rear axle usually only need the front set.
Where can I get 4 wheel alignment near me?
Our Lindleys Tyres & Alignment centres on Daleside Road in Colwick and Furlong Street in Arnold both offer 2 and 4 wheel alignment.
