alignment
uh-LYN-munt
/əˈlaɪn.mənt/
The adjustment of a vehicle's suspension components so that the tires make proper, even contact with the road surface and point straight.
Focuses on wheel angles (camber, caster, toe); distinct from wheel balancing, which evens out weight distribution.
The story behind the word. Traced to Old French 'aligner' from Latin 'linea' (flax thread, line). Originally used in military tactics to describe forming troops into straight lines, it adapted to engineering to describe setting machine elements along straight, parallel axes.
Word relationships
- adjustment: 'Adjustment' is a generic modification, whereas 'alignment' specifically refers to bringing components into precise straight line placement.
- misalignment: The condition of being out of proper position or straight line alignment.
Commonly confused with
- balancing: Wheel balancing fixes uneven tire weight distribution; alignment fixes the angle at which wheels contact the road.
Word family
- align (verb): to place in a straight line
- aligned (adjective): brought into agreement or straight line
Collocations
- wheel alignment
- out of alignment
- check alignment
- front-end alignment
Example sentences
- "If your steering wheel pulls sharply to the left on a flat highway, your vehicle is overdue for a wheel alignment." Driving observation
- "Hitting a deep pothole can knock the front alignment out of spec and accelerate uneven tire wear." Preventive upkeep
Memory hook
A LINE MENT: Put all wheels in A straight LINE. Line up wheels straight.
When not to use
Do not confuse wheel alignment with engine timing.
Fun facts
- Laser guided alignment machines measure wheel positions down to hundredths of a degree, matching angles designed in automotive computer models.
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