Wheel alignment is one of those vehicle maintenance tasks that often gets overlooked, but it plays a critical role in your car’s safety, handling, and overall performance. Anything from hitting a speed bump or scraping a kerb, to general wear and tear or a particularly bumpy road can lead to misaligned wheels and if left unchecked, can cause issues within your vehicle and affect performance. Ensuring your wheels are correctly aligned not only improves your driving experience but also extends the lifespan of your tyres and other key components. Here, we’re exploring the importance of wheel alignment and how it affects your safety and performance. 

What Is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment, sometimes referred to as tracking, is the process of mechanically adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels so that they are set to the manufacturer’s specifications. Proper alignment ensures that your tyres make full contact with the road, and that the car’s weight is evenly distributed across all four wheels.

Wheel alignment is measured in three key ways:

• Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the tyres when viewed from the front of the car.
• Toe: The direction the tyres point in relation to each other (either inward or outward).
• Caster: The angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side of the car.

Each of these settings must be precisely adjusted for optimal performance. If anything is misaligned, this could affect your safety and performance.

How Does Wheel Alignment Affect Safety?

1. Improved Vehicle Control – When your wheels are misaligned, your vehicle can pull to one side or become harder to control, especially at higher speeds. This can be dangerous, particularly when making sudden manoeuvres or driving in bad weather. Proper alignment ensures that your car handles predictably, reducing the risk of accidents caused by poor steering response.
2. Tyre Wear – Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, with certain areas of the tyres wearing down more quickly than others. Unevenly worn tyres have less traction, which can be dangerous when driving in wet or icy conditions. In severe cases, misalignment can lead to a tyre blowout, which is a serious safety hazard.
3. Reduced Braking Efficiency – Proper wheel alignment is essential for your braking system to work effectively. If the wheels are not aligned, the tyres may not make full contact with the road surface, reducing braking efficiency. This can lead to longer stopping distances which can be incredibly dangerous, particularly in emergencies.
4. Stability During Turns – Misaligned wheels can make your car unstable, especially when cornering. When the wheels are not pointing in the right direction, the vehicle’s ability to grip the road is compromised, making it more likely to skid or lose traction during turns.

How Does Wheel Alignment Affect Performance?

1. Better Fuel Efficiency When your wheels are misaligned, your engine has to work harder to keep the car moving in a straight line. This extra resistance translates to higher fuel consumption. A properly aligned car experiences less drag, allowing it to move more efficiently and use less fuel.
2. Enhanced Tyre Lifespan Misaligned wheels can lead to premature tyre wear, especially on the edges or certain sections of the tyre. This means you’ll need to replace your tyres more frequently, which can be expensive. Proper alignment helps ensure your tyres wear evenly, extending their lifespan and saving you money in the long run.
3. Smoother Ride If your wheels are not aligned, you may notice a rough or uncomfortable ride. You may feel vibrations through the steering wheel, or the car may feel like it’s bouncing or pulling to one side. Correct alignment allows for a smoother, more comfortable driving experience by reducing unnecessary strain on the suspension system.
4. Optimised Handling Proper wheel alignment helps your car handle corners and turns more effectively. When all four tyres are aligned correctly, they can better grip the road, providing more responsive steering and a greater sense of control. This is particularly important if you drive a high-performance vehicle or enjoy driving in dynamic conditions.

Signs Your Wheel Alignment May Be Off

There are several tell-tale signs that your wheels may be out of alignment:

• Pulling to One Side: If your car naturally drifts to the left or right, your alignment may be off even when the steering wheel is straight.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn’t centred when driving straight, this could indicate misalignment.
• Uneven Tyre Wear: If your tyres are wearing more on one side than the other, this is a clear sign that your wheels aren’t aligned correctly.
• Vibrations While Driving: Misalignment can cause vibrations through the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds.

Causes of Misalignment

There are several factors that can play a part in causing your wheels to misalign, both over time and in a one-time occurrence. From general wear and tear, to hitting potholes or kerbs, the most common causes of misalignment include:

• Potholes: Hitting a pothole can jar the suspension and cause the wheels to go out of alignment, particularly if you hit one at speed, or one that is particularly deep or harsh. However, even the smallest potholes can cause damage if hit awkwardly.
• Kerb Bumps: Accidentally bumping into a kerb or hitting road debris can also affect alignment in a similar way to potholes. If hit awkwardly or at speed, you could cause the wheels to be knocked out of their proper alignment.
• Normal Wear and Tear: Over time, the components of your suspension and steering systems wear down, which can lead to misalignment, particularly if you drive on different surfaces regularly.

How Often Should You Check Your Wheel Alignment?

It’s a good idea to have your wheel alignment checked annually or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and road conditions. However, if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s best to have it checked sooner. Many drivers also choose to have their alignment checked when they get new tyres or after a major suspension repair.

Proper wheel alignment is essential for both safety and performance. It ensures that your vehicle handles properly, your tyres wear evenly, and your car operates efficiently. Ignoring alignment issues can lead to reduced safety, increased fuel consumption, and more frequent tyre replacements. If you think your car’s wheels may be out of alignment and in need of vehicle repairs, or if it’s time for a routine check-up, book an appointment with our team today to ensure your vehicle stays safe and performs at its best.