What is wheel alignment & tracking?

May 24, 2022
What is wheel alignment & tracking?

Why Wheel Alignment Matters: How to Tell if Your Wheels Are Misaligned and Fix It

Wheel alignment plays a crucial role in ensuring your car drives straight and handles safely. When your wheels aren’t properly aligned, your car may pull to one side, your tyres may wear unevenly, and your vehicle’s overall performance can suffer. In this article, we’ll explain what wheel alignment is, how to identify alignment problems, what causes misalignment, and how you can fix it.

What Is Wheel Alignment and Why Does It Matter?

Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of your car’s wheels so that they are positioned at the correct angles relative to the road and your vehicle’s central line. Proper alignment ensures your car drives straight and that your tyres wear evenly, ultimately improving your safety and vehicle performance.

When your wheels are misaligned, it can cause your car to pull to one side or make handling more difficult. This can not only increase the risk of accidents but also lead to premature tyre wear, meaning you'll need to replace your tyres sooner than necessary. A wheel alignment service is a relatively low-cost solution to prevent these issues and save you money in the long run.

What Problems Can Bad Wheel Alignment Cause?

Improper wheel alignment can have several negative effects on your vehicle:

  • Uneven Tyre Wear: Misalignment causes certain areas of the tyres to wear out faster than others, which means you'll need to replace tyres more frequently.
  • Reduced Control: If your wheels aren’t aligned properly, your car might veer to one side, making it harder to control, especially during long drives or on highways.
  • Increased Fuel Consumption: Misaligned wheels can increase friction with the road, causing your engine to work harder, which in turn reduces fuel efficiency.
  • Safety Risks: Poor wheel alignment can compromise the handling of your car, especially in emergency situations where precise steering is required.

How to Tell if Your Wheel Alignment Is Off

It’s easy to spot signs of misalignment, and it’s important to act quickly if you notice any of the following:

  • Car Pulls to One Side: If your car drags or pulls in one direction while driving, your wheels are likely misaligned.
  • Steering Wheel Isn’t Centered: If your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight, it could indicate that your alignment is off.
  • Uneven Tyre Wear: If you notice that the tread on your tyres is worn unevenly, it’s a clear sign of alignment issues. Check for wear patterns on the edges or one side of the tyre.
  • Test the Straight Line: In a safe, straight stretch of road, let go of the steering wheel briefly. If your car drifts to one side, misalignment is likely the cause.

What Causes Wheel Alignment to Be Incorrect?

Misalignment is commonly caused by minor driving incidents, such as:

  • Hitting Potholes or Curbs: These impacts can easily knock your wheels out of alignment.
  • Driving Over Speed Bumps: Regularly driving over speed bumps or rough roads can lead to misalignment over time.
  • Suspension Work: If you've had recent suspension repairs or work done, alignment may need to be checked and readjusted.

In many cases, alignment issues arise from everyday driving, and even minor bumps or obstacles can cause misalignment.

How to Correct Wheel Alignment

Correcting wheel alignment is a straightforward process that requires a professional technician to adjust the angles of your wheels. At Whatlington Garage, we use advanced 4-wheel alignment machines that measure the geometry of your car and adjust it to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Here’s what happens during a wheel alignment:

  1. Positioning the Vehicle: Your car is placed on the alignment machine, where sensors measure the angles of each wheel.
  2. Adjustment: The technician will adjust the alignment of each wheel as needed, ensuring all angles are in line with the manufacturer’s recommended specifications.
  3. Component Check: If there are any issues with worn or damaged suspension components, your mechanic will let you know, as these can also affect alignment.

Schedule Your Wheel Alignment Check Today!

Regular wheel alignment checks are an essential part of car maintenance. If you’re noticing any signs of misalignment, don’t wait—schedule a wheel alignment service with us today to improve your car's performance, extend the life of your tyres, and ensure your safety on the road.

Last Update: 08-01-2025 13:33