One of the most critical elements of suspension tuning is wheel alignment, and toe angle plays a huge role in how a car drives. While professional alignment machines can be costly and time-consuming, there’s a simpler solution that racers, drifters, and track-day enthusiasts have relied on for decades: toe in plates. In this guide, we’ll explain what toe plates are, how they work, and why they’re one of the best investments you can make for dialing in your car’s setup.
What Are Toe In Plates?
Toe in plates (often just called toe plates) are flat aluminum or steel plates that lean against the outside of your car’s wheels. By measuring the distance between the front and rear edges of the wheels with tape measures, you can quickly determine if your wheels are toed in, toed out, or set to zero toe. They’re simple, portable, and highly effective for both at-home alignment and track-side adjustments.
Why Toe Settings Matter
Toe angle refers to whether your wheels point inward, outward, or straight ahead when viewed from above:
- Toe In: Front edges of the tires point inward. Provides stability at high speeds but can slow down turn-in response.
- Toe Out: Front edges of the tires point outward. Increases initial turn-in and agility but reduces straight-line stability.
- Zero Toe: Wheels are perfectly parallel. Balances stability and responsiveness, often used for baseline setups.
Getting these settings wrong can result in poor handling, increased tire wear, and unpredictable performance. Toe plates make it easy to verify alignment anytime, anywhere.
Advantages of Using Toe In Plates
- Affordable: A fraction of the cost of professional alignment racks.
- Portable: Lightweight and easy to keep in your track tool kit.
- Fast: Takes just minutes to measure toe on all four wheels.
- Repeatable: Consistent measurements for tuning setups between sessions.
- DIY Friendly: No lifts or expensive equipment required — just a flat surface and tape measures.
How to Use Toe Plates
- Park your car on a flat, level surface.
- Place one toe plate flush against the outside of each front wheel.
- Slide two tape measures through the slots: one at the front of the wheels and one at the rear.
- Record the measurements. If the front is smaller, you have toe in; if the front is larger, you have toe out.
- Adjust your tie rods until the difference matches your desired toe spec.
It’s that easy. Many drivers carry toe plates to the track to make mid-day adjustments based on tire feedback and track conditions.
Toe In Plates for Different Applications
Street Driving
Most daily drivers benefit from near-zero toe or slight toe in for stability and tire longevity. Toe plates let you check alignment quickly after hitting potholes or installing suspension upgrades.
Track Racing
Track drivers often run a touch of toe out in the front for sharper turn-in and stability under heavy braking. Toe plates allow precise adjustments between sessions.
Drifting
Drift setups vary, but many drivers prefer toe out in the front for quicker steering response and slight toe in at the rear for forward drive. Toe plates make these fine adjustments simple to dial in before competitions.
Toe Plates vs Professional Alignment
While nothing replaces a full four-wheel alignment for camber, caster, and toe, toe plates are the fastest way to measure toe angle accurately. Many professional teams even use toe plates between sessions to fine-tune handling without needing a full alignment rack.
Recommended Toe In Plates
If you’re looking for durable, professional-grade toe plates, SLR Toe Plates are a top choice. Built from lightweight aluminum, they’re portable, precise, and designed for both grassroots enthusiasts and pro motorsport teams.
Common Mistakes When Using Toe Plates
- Measuring on uneven ground — always use a flat surface.
- Not centering the steering wheel before measuring.
- Forgetting to roll the car forward and backward to settle the suspension.
- Only checking the front wheels — rear toe matters too!
FAQs About Toe In Plates
Are toe plates accurate enough for racing?
Yes. While not as comprehensive as an alignment rack, toe plates give accurate and repeatable toe measurements that racers rely on at all levels.
Can toe plates replace a professional alignment?
Not entirely. Toe plates are perfect for toe adjustment, but they don’t measure camber or caster. Use them as a supplement to professional alignments.
How often should I check alignment with toe plates?
Street drivers can check after big impacts or suspension installs. Track and drift drivers often check before each event or even between sessions.
Conclusion: Why Every Driver Needs Toe In Plates
For anyone serious about handling and tire performance, toe in plates are a must-have tool. They’re affordable, portable, and effective for quickly checking alignment. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast, grassroots drifter, or professional racer, toe plates let you take control of your suspension setup without relying on expensive equipment.
Ready to dial in your alignment? Explore SLR Toe Plates today and experience the difference that precise toe settings can make.
