If you’ve ever felt your vehicle pulling to one side or noticed uneven tyre wear, then you’ve already had an encounter with a wheel alignment issue. Understanding wheel alignment, its importance, and the potential symptoms of misalignment can make all the difference in the lifespan of your tyres and overall safety.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of the angles of the wheels to the specifications recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. These adjustments can affect how your tyres interact with the road and can influence everything from fuel efficiency to tyre wear.

Why is Wheel Alignment Important?

Wheel alignment is critical for several reasons:

1. Improved Tyre Life: Misaligned wheels can lead to rapid and uneven tyre wear. By keeping your wheels properly aligned, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your tyres and save money in the long run.
2. Increased Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to work harder, leading to higher fuel consumption. Properly aligned wheels provide less road resistance, which means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, thus improving fuel efficiency.
3. Enhanced Safety: When wheels are misaligned, it can cause your car to veer to one side. This can make the vehicle harder to control and increase the risk of accidents. Proper alignment ensures that your car handles correctly, providing a safer drive.

Wheel Alignment – Symptoms of Wheel Misalignment

Here are some signs that your wheels might be misaligned:

1. Uneven Tyre Wear: One of the most common signs of wheel misalignment is uneven wear on the tyres. This can be either on the inner or outer edges, depending on whether the wheels are tilted inwards or outwards.
2. Vehicle Pulling to One Side: If you’re driving on a straight and level road, and you feel your car pulling to one side, it could be due to misalignment.
3. Steering Wheel Vibration: Misaligned wheels can cause the steering wheel to vibrate, which is a clear sign that your vehicle needs an alignment check.
4. Crooked Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel isn’t centred when driving straight, it could be an indicator of wheel misalignment.

Regular wheel alignment checks are a crucial part of vehicle maintenance. They can help improve your car’s performance and safety while saving you money by preventing unnecessary tyre wear. Always have your alignment checked when getting new tyres, or when you’ve driven over a significant pothole or hit a kerb. Remember, your safety and that of your passengers could depend on it.

Contact us to get your vehicle checked out