A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications.

A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications.

A vehicle tire alignment system is provided herein. The system comprises a laser and a corresponding light detection device which sounds an alarm when the laser is aligned with the light detection device. Both the laser and the light detection device are located within housings facing each other. The housings are set on separate cylindrical tubes, which in turn are set on separate adapters which adapters either fit over the studs and onto the rotors of two wheels on one side of a vehicle or are inserted into center cap holes in the hubcap. A user can then adjust the tie rods on the vehicle until the laser facing the light detection device is in alignment with the light detection device, which alignment is announced by the activation of the alarm. The system is simple enough to be employed by a do-it-yourself user and does not require any computers or cameras, can be employed without the need to use a full vehicle lift, and can be conducted with basic tools.