Wheel Alignment
in Wing, Leighton Buzzard
What is wheel alignment?
Wheel alignment, also known as tracking, includes adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels to ensure they are set according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Proper alignment ensures that all four tyres make correct and consistent road contact, which is essential for handling of the vehicle, as well as tyre longevity.
Alignment involves two key angles: camber and toe. Camber is the tilt of the wheels inward or outward when viewed from the front or rear. Excessive camber, either positive or negative, can lead to uneven tyre wear, and reduced traction. If it is too positive, then this will wear the outside edge of the tyre, and if it is too negative, this will wear the inside edge of the tyre. Toe refers to the direction the tyres point, relative to the vehicle’s centreline. Incorrect toe settings can cause tyres to scrub very quickly. It also has the biggest effect on how the steering wheel sits, therefore, it is important to get correct. Proper alignment improves steering precision, and overall driving comfort.
Misaligned wheels can cause the car to pull to one side aggressively, and makes handling unpredictable, especially in emergency situations. Sometimes in bad cases, it will cause the car to crab across the road, reducing complete traction. Poor alignment can reduce fuel efficiency, as the engine must work harder to overcome additional rolling resistance from tyres that are not rolling straight, and inline.
Regularly having wheel alignment done is essential, and is recommended whenever you replace tyres that have worn on the edge, have suspension work done, or notice handling issues with your vehicle. It is also advisable to check alignment as part of your vehicle’s maintenance, especially if you have driven on uneven roads.
How do I know if my wheels are out of alignment?
There are several signs that your vehicle may have misaligned wheels.
One of the most noticeable is the car pulling to one side while driving on a flat, straight road. This pull may be subtle at first, but can become more pronounced over time. Although difficult to find a perfectly flat road, noticing this is the first sign of an issue with your tracking.
Another indication is uneven tyre wear. If the inner or outer edges of your tyres wear more quickly than the rest of the tread, or if one tyre wears faster than its opposite counterpart, your alignment is most likely incorrect. Uneven tyre wear not only shortens tyre life, but can compromise handling. Before carrying out an alignment, it is important to make sure that the suspension is fault free.
Other common signs include steering wheel vibration, off-centre steering, or unusual handling characteristics. If your steering wheel does not return to the centre after a turn, or if you have a vibration whilst driving, then this is a sign the tracking needs to be adjusted.
It’s important to note that alignment issues can develop gradually, so even subtle changes in vehicle behaviour should be inspected. If you notice any of these signs, a professional wheel alignment check can prevent further tyre damage, and improve overall safety.
What causes wheels to go out of alignment?
Wheels can go out of alignment for several reasons.
Potholes, uneven surfaces, speed bumps, or curbs, can knock wheels out of their proper angles, sometimes with no visible damage to the tyres or suspension. Even minor impacts can change the alignment in a minor way. The most common way this happens is through large potholes, and hitting kerbs. This is noticeable almost immediately, and should be professionally inspected.
Another frequent cause is worn suspension components. Ball joints, bushes, and shocks gradually wear down, and this can alter the alignment slightly. Over time, as suspension components begin to wear, this can slowly change the alignment, often without you even realising, until a tyre has worn unevenly.
Accidents or minor collisions, even those that don’t visibly damage the car, can also cause misalignment and tracking issues. This can damage suspension components, so it is vital to have this checked to confirm.
Regular alignment checks after tyre replacements, suspension work, or noticeable handling problems, are essential for maintaining tyre life and overall vehicle safety on the road.
Frequently asked questions
Can hitting a pothole affect wheel alignment?
Yes, hitting a pothole at speed can cause a sudden impact on your tyres and suspension components, shifting wheel angles, and causing misalignment. Even minor pothole impacts can lead to uneven tyre wear, or a vehicle that pulls to one side.
Can hitting a kerb cause misalignment?
Absolutely. Hitting a kerb at speed or at an awkward angle, can bend or damage suspension parts, steering components, or the wheels themselves. This often leads to alignment issues, and uneven tyre wear. It’s recommended to have your alignment checked whenever your vehicle has a large kerb impact.
Will alignment make a noticeable difference when driving?
Yes, correcting wheel alignment can noticeably improve steering precision, and driving comfort. You should notice the vehicle drives straight without pulling, the steering wheel sits central, and cornering feels more smooth.
Can alignment prevent premature tyre replacement?
Yes, proper wheel alignment ensures tyres wear evenly across their whole tread. Misaligned wheels cause uneven wear, which can significantly shorten tyre life, sometimes by up to 50%. By maintaining correct alignment, you can extend tyre life, and save money overall. In some cases, tyres can scrub on an edge, leaving almost a brand new tyre on one side, and leaving cords exposed on the other side. This is an issue that requires immediate attention.
How long does it take to complete a wheel alignment?
A two and four wheel alignment typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the type of vehicle, the number of wheels being adjusted, and the difficulty of the suspension system, as some adjustments are more difficult than others. Modern vehicles often use electronic systems that require precise adjustment, increasing the time to complete the job. A check is carried out before alignment on the suspension. If the adjustment bolts are seized, this will also require additional time, and incur an added cost.
Do all vehicles require the same type of alignment?
No, alignment requirements vary depending on vehicle type, and the suspension design. Some vehicles have adjustable rear suspension, while others have fixed rear axles. We always follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure tracking is carried out correctly.