Toe set to 0: results (front end alignment)

[Roe]

Because it isn't listed on the wiki page, I wanted to post my results of having the tow on my tires aligned to 0. I don't have it in A-B-A format since I can't align the tires myself.

Anyway, pre-alignment I was achieving 39.6 MPGs, and with the alignment I am now getting 41.5 MPGs, which is a 4.8% increase. I should mention that my tires were in need of aligning, but I doubt they were a detriment to my original gas efficiency before the alignment.

I was at first hesitant to go through with this due to claims that 0 tow can make the car feel as if it will fishtail. However, I didn't notice a change in control at all, although my car does seem to drift from side to side in the lane. It's certainly no problem, and it handles the same. That being said, I'm being more careful with it just in case.

I hope this is helpful to someone!

[Ryland]

The safety side of it is my understanding of why aliments are done the way they are done, that and the fact that once you are going down the road the wheels want to track to the center I think it is, so a bit of toe out is always added so that while going down the road they aline to -0-

[some_other_dave]

Toe-out is self-reinforcing, it sets up a positive-feedback loop. With toe-out, you get a "twitchy" feel to the end of the car that has it.

Zero toe can make for a "floating" feel in some cars, but not all. I'm not sure what determines that, but I'd bet that some of it is the driver.

Zero toe is OK, but you want to be careful that the "give" and flex in your suspension does not give you much if any toe-out. That can result in a car that is a handful.

-soD

[Roe]

After a few days, my car is handling great! I might describe it as floaty, though. Either way, I'm very happy with the mod.

[Frank Lee]

Thanks for the report, Row.

[larrybuck]

Congrats on your results w live-ability!!! I think this option is not for all. Someone with a van at 70mph. out on the prairie; would not be a happy camper! I love the pureness of this mod. Correct me if I'm wrong; but isn't it only the earliest Honda Insight that comes intentional stock with 0!!!????

At lower ecomod speeds, maybe more of us should be braver and try this; especially those in drier climates.

As the NASCAR guys say; some are happier, and more comfortable w a looser car!!


Remember: Friends don't let friends do Lateral Scrub!!!

[Fr3AkAzOiD]

I had mine done a few months back. Didn't take it all the way to 0 toe but the front was at 0.13 per side and I had them bring it down to 0.01 per side.
For the rears I had to get a shim kit as the alignment is not adjustable but I brought it down from 0.22 to 0.06.

Most of my driving is under 55 mph and feels fine but I have had it up to 70 and only had the slightest bit of float.

While you can't do an A-B-A for something like this I would say it was good for 2%-3%. I'm on new tires as compared to last year and have redone my grill block to be more efficient so I'm not able to do year over year progress comparisons.

Worth it if you need an alignment anyway but I wouldn't go out of your way just to do it.

[suspectnumber961]

Someone COULD do an A-B-A. I do my own 4 wheel alignment using a string wrapped around all 4 tires at axle level...and a DIY camber gauge.

[Parasite]

Yes, The Gen I Insight has a 0 toe angle standard. It may be possible to describe it as Floaty. When there is a crack or line in the road my car fill follow it if I don't have a steady grip on the wheel. I have always thought that was Honda stearing, but it may be at least partially the 0 toe angle.

The Insight was made for top mileage, so if it would help, they did it.

[Istas]

I was going to ask the mechanic to set my toe to half of whatever it was, to get less tire-dragging without incurring whatever instability might result from 0 toe, but it turns out the front wheels on my car have 0 toe stock. Hooray for efficient already, boo for not being able to increase it that way.

And, I do think that you need to have compared it to a just-aligned stock value to see what improvement 0 toe results in. Alignment can get pretty far off over time, depending on the car, maintenance history, road conditions, etc.