When adjusting straight-line stability, which alignment angle is critical?

In the context of vehicle alignment, front toe is considered critical when adjusting for straight-line stability. Front toe refers to the angle at which the front tires are oriented in relation to the centerline of the vehicle. When the front tires are properly aligned in terms of toe, it ensures that they are parallel to each other and, ideally, pointed straight ahead. This alignment helps maintain straight-line tracking, minimizing the tendency of the vehicle to drift or pull to one side.

An excessive toe-in (where the front of the tires points inward) can create instability, causing increased tire wear and uneven handling characteristics, while excessive toe-out (where the front of the tires points outward) can lead to similar issues. Therefore, achieving the correct front toe setting is critical to enhancing the vehicle's handling and providing a stable driving experience.

Other alignment angles, while important for various handling characteristics and tire wear, do not have the same direct impact on straight-line stability as front toe. This is why it is the key adjustment to focus on when aiming for optimal straight-line performance.