Why do cars need regular alignments? Why can’t we build them with fixed, permanent alignment?

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Why do cars need regular alignments? Why can’t we build them with fixed, permanent alignment?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Short answer is too many moving parts, both literally and figuratively.

Alignment is dependent on the base frame being in perfect condition, and staying that way. Over time metal fatigue will set in, with over 2 tons of other parts creating stresses, AND thermal cycling, from both general weather conditions as well as friction created by the engine.

Also roads aren’t perfect – bumps and knocks happen. This makes a floating and adjustable suspension preferable to a rigid system.

Interchangable parts allows for replacement of individual components as they wear or are damaged. Parts in the suspension system also fatigue over time, and need individual replacement as a baseline.

Sure, we could replace all the components at once, each time – but that would be wasteful AND prohibitively expensive, summarily becoming inefficient over millions of consumer vehicles and time.

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