Your wheel alignment can affect how fast your tyres wear and your fuel economy, so it’s important to make sure that they are checked regularly, to avoid being out of pocket. This guide will explain what wheel alignment means and when to get it checked.
Put simply, your wheel alignment is the correct position of your wheels, specified by your wheel manufacturer. Wheel alignment correction is when your wheels are reset to this specified position, ensuring they are in the optimal position.
The terms wheel alignment and wheel tracking can be used interchangeably, although alignment is a broader term covering all wheel adjustments whereas tracking simply refers to the adjustment of the front wheel’s toe angle.
How often you should check your wheel alignment will depend on your driving habits, the condition of the roads, you’re driving and the type of vehicle you have. But in general we recommend booking in for a free wheel alignment check at least once a year or if you experience any of the following scenarios;
Hitting a pothole, kerb or any other impact to your wheel could potentially knock your wheels out of line. Even a minor incident can affect your wheel alignment, so it pays to play it safe and book in for a free wheel alignment check.
Seasonal changes can affect your wheel alignment, as the change in weather affects driving and road conditions. We recommend getting your wheel alignment checked ahead of any significant changes in the seasons.
It’s always a good idea to get your wheel alignment checked when you have new tyres fitted. Misaligned wheels cause uneven tyre wear, so getting this checked when your tyres are fitted can extend the life of your tyres.
Uneven tyre wear is a key indicator of wheel misalignment, along with a number of other potential issues. If you notice uneven tyre wear, you should get your tyre tread and alignment checked right way.
If your steering feels loose, or your car is pulling to one side, it could be a sign of wheel misalignment, or other issues like problems with your suspension. We recommend getting a free wheel alignment check to correct or eliminate the issue.
If you have any concerns about your wheel alignment, read more or contact our friendly team or visit your local Setyres Garage.