Park Automotive uses an extremely accurate Hunter laser allignment system.  It utilizes a computerized sensor mounted to each wheel to monitor suspension angles as they are adjusted into specification.

When should I have an alignment performed on my vehicle? It is a good idea to have an alignment performed every time your tires are replaced and when uneven tire wear, pull, or non-centered steering wheel are present. On some vehicles especially full size trucks and vans, the outer edge of the front tires could wear faster than the rest of the tire tread. This is a normal condition caused by the required caster setting that causes the tire to lay over on its edge during corners.  It is essential to maintain an appropriate tire rotation schedule on such vehicles to ensure the longens possible tread life.  Some other trouble signs are:

Tires wearing in the center – generally caused by over inflation

Both outer edges wearing more than the center – generally caused by under inflation

One or both front tires wearing more on one edge – alignment or tire structure problem

Rough tread – This is also called cupping or scalloping, tire is very lumpy and usually makes noise while driving. – Weak shocks or struts, incorrect alignment, tires not rotated often enough, or tire problem

** It should be noted that once a tire begins an uneven wear characteristic it will most generally continue to wear improperly for the life of the tire even if the problem that caused the uneven wear is repaired properly!  An alligment will only correct improper vehicle suspension angles and return them to the original manufacturer's specification.  Irregular tire wear patterns can also cause the same type of poor driving characteristics that a vehicle in need of allignment exibits.  Proper allignment, tire pressure, and tire wear  patterns are all related and must all be addressed for proper driving and handling characteristics.

** Other causes for vehicle pull:

Uneven tire pressure

Brake dragging

Defective tire

Uneven tire wear

Vehicle not level – sagging spring or loaded unevenly

Road crown – Vehicle drifts away from the highest area of roadway

Worn steering or suspension parts

Crosswind

Torque-steer – normal pull of some front drive vehicle during acceleration

As you can see there are many other causes for a vehicle to pull other than an alignment problem. Any abnormal pull can and should be corrected. Sometimes this could require replacement of worn parts, tires, etc. The steering, suspension, and tires are what keep you in control of your vehicle and should never be neglected. A properly aligned vehicle will handle better, achieve higher fuel mileage, and produce the longest tire tread wear possible.