In automotive terms, what does the term “alignment” refer to?

The term “alignment” in automotive terminology specifically refers to adjusting the angles of the wheels. Proper wheel alignment is essential for ensuring that the vehicle's wheels are positioned correctly in relation to each other and to the vehicle itself. This alignment affects how the tires make contact with the road and can significantly influence the vehicle's handling, tire wear, and overall driving safety.

When the wheels are aligned correctly, it helps in achieving even tire wear and improves fuel efficiency as well as making the vehicle easier to steer. Misalignment can lead to a variety of handling issues, such as pulling to one side or the other and uneven tire wear, which can necessitate more frequent tire replacements.

Other options, such as adjusting tire pressure, are important for vehicle safety and performance but do not pertain to alignment in the technical sense. Refueling the vehicle and checking engine performance fall into different categories of vehicle maintenance and do not relate to the wheel angles or their adjustments.