Wheel alignment is one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of vehicle maintenance. Proper alignment affects tyre wear, fuel economy, handling, and safety. Understanding what alignment is and why it matters can save you money and keep you safer on the road.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment (also called tracking) refers to the angles at which your wheels sit relative to each other and the road. These angles are precisely set by the vehicle manufacturer to optimize handling, tyre wear, and stability.
Contrary to popular belief, alignment doesn't involve adjusting the wheels themselves - it's about adjusting the suspension components that control wheel position. Even small deviations from correct alignment can have significant effects.
The Three Key Alignment Angles
Professional wheel alignment adjusts three primary angles:
1. Camber
What it is: The inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front
Positive camber: Top of wheel tilts outward
Negative camber: Top of wheel tilts inward
Effects when incorrect:
- Excessive wear on one edge of tyre (inner or outer)
- Vehicle pulls to one side
- Reduced contact patch affects grip
- Uneven braking
Common causes: Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, or impact damage from potholes
2. Toe
What it is: The angle of the wheels when viewed from above
Toe-in: Front of wheels point toward each other
Toe-out: Front of wheels point away from each other
Effects when incorrect:
- Rapid tyre wear (feathering pattern)
- Squealing noise from tyres
- Vehicle feels unstable or wanders
- Steering wheel off-center when driving straight
- Reduced fuel economy
Common causes: Worn tie rod ends, impact damage, or incorrect adjustment
3. Caster
What it is: The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side
Positive caster: Steering axis tilts toward driver
Negative caster: Steering axis tilts toward front of vehicle
Effects when incorrect:
- Vehicle pulls to side with less caster
- Steering feels heavy or light
- Poor straight-line stability
- Steering doesn't self-center after turns
Common causes: Bent strut, damaged control arm, or worn suspension bushings
Signs Your Alignment is Off
Watch for these warning signs that indicate misalignment:
Immediate Action Needed
- • Vehicle pulls strongly to one side
- • Steering wheel vibrates
- • Tyres squealing on turns
- • Rapid or uneven tyre wear
Get Checked Soon
- • Steering wheel off-center when driving straight
- • Vehicle drifts slightly to one side
- • Steering feels loose or imprecise
- • Increased fuel consumption
What Causes Misalignment?
Alignment doesn't usually go wrong by itself. Common causes include:
- Potholes and road hazards: Sudden impacts can knock alignment out instantly
- Kerb strikes: Hitting kerbs while parking is a major cause
- Worn suspension components: Ball joints, bushings, and tie rods wear over time
- Accidents: Even minor collisions can affect alignment
- Lowering or lifting: Modifying suspension height without proper alignment
- Heavy loads: Consistently carrying heavy loads can stress suspension
- Normal wear: Gradual changes over time as components age
The Alignment Process
Professional wheel alignment uses sophisticated computerized equipment to measure and adjust wheel angles with precision.
What Happens During Alignment:
- Initial inspection: Technician checks tyre condition, suspension components, and steering
- Mounting sensors: Precision sensors attached to each wheel
- Measurement: Computer measures current alignment angles
- Comparison: Current angles compared to manufacturer specifications
- Adjustment: Suspension components adjusted to bring angles within specification
- Test drive: Vehicle driven to verify steering is centered and handling is correct
- Report: You receive printout showing before and after measurements
2-Wheel vs 4-Wheel Alignment
2-Wheel (Front) Alignment: Adjusts only front wheels. Suitable for vehicles with solid rear axles that don't require adjustment.
4-Wheel Alignment: Measures and adjusts all four wheels. Required for vehicles with independent rear suspension. Recommended for all modern vehicles for optimal results.
Benefits of Proper Alignment
Maintaining correct wheel alignment provides numerous benefits:
Safety Benefits
- ✓ Improved vehicle stability
- ✓ Better handling and control
- ✓ Reduced risk of accidents
- ✓ Optimal braking performance
- ✓ Predictable steering response
Economic Benefits
- ✓ Extended tyre life (up to 12,000 miles extra)
- ✓ Improved fuel economy (up to 7%)
- ✓ Reduced suspension wear
- ✓ Lower maintenance costs
- ✓ Better resale value
Cost Savings Example
A set of tyres costing £400 should last 30,000 miles with proper alignment. With poor alignment, they might only last 18,000 miles. That's £400 wasted every 18,000 miles, plus increased fuel costs. A £50 alignment check could save you hundreds of pounds.
How Often Should You Check Alignment?
We recommend having your wheel alignment checked:
- Annually: As part of regular maintenance
- Every 10,000 miles: For high-mileage drivers
- When fitting new tyres: Ensure they wear evenly from the start
- After hitting a pothole or kerb: Even if no visible damage
- Following any suspension work: Replacement of any steering or suspension components
- If you notice symptoms: Pulling, uneven wear, or off-center steering
- After an accident: Even minor impacts can affect alignment
Alignment and Tyre Wear Patterns
Tyre wear patterns can reveal alignment issues:
One-Sided Wear (Inner or Outer Edge)
Indicates camber misalignment. One edge wears significantly faster than the other
Feathering (Sawtooth Pattern)
Indicates toe misalignment. Tread ribs are smooth on one side, sharp on the other
Rapid Overall Wear
Often caused by toe misalignment. Tyres wear much faster than expected
Learn more about tyre wear patterns in our comprehensive guide.
Alignment vs Balancing
These terms are often confused but refer to different services:
Wheel Alignment
- • Adjusts suspension angles
- • Affects tyre wear and handling
- • Symptoms: pulling, uneven wear
- • Check annually or after impacts
Wheel Balancing
- • Distributes weight evenly around wheel
- • Affects vibration and comfort
- • Symptoms: vibration at speed
- • Check when fitting new tyres
Can You Drive With Bad Alignment?
While you can technically drive with misalignment, you shouldn't:
Risks of Driving With Misalignment
- • Tyres can wear out in weeks instead of years
- • Vehicle may pull into oncoming traffic
- • Reduced braking effectiveness
- • Increased risk of tyre failure
- • Accelerated wear of expensive suspension components
- • Significantly increased fuel costs
DIY Alignment Check
While professional alignment requires specialized equipment, you can perform basic checks:
- Straight road test: On a quiet, straight, flat road, briefly release steering wheel. Vehicle should continue straight
- Steering wheel position: When driving straight, steering wheel should be centered
- Tyre inspection: Check for uneven wear patterns across all tyres
- String test: Advanced DIY method using string to check toe, but professional equipment is far more accurate
These checks can indicate problems, but only professional equipment can measure and correct alignment precisely.
Advanced Alignment Technology
At IQ Tyres, we use the latest Hunter alignment systems featuring:
- 3D imaging: Precise measurement of all angles
- Live adjustment display: Real-time feedback during adjustment
- Manufacturer specifications: Database of settings for all vehicle makes and models
- Before and after reports: Clear documentation of work performed
- Steering wheel angle sensor reset: Essential for modern vehicles with electronic stability control
Professional Wheel Alignment at IQ Tyres
Don't let poor alignment cost you money and compromise your safety. Our state-of-the-art Hunter alignment system ensures precision adjustment to manufacturer specifications. We offer both 2-wheel and 4-wheel alignment services, and we'll inspect your suspension components to identify any underlying issues.
Conclusion
Wheel alignment is a critical aspect of vehicle maintenance that affects safety, tyre life, fuel economy, and driving comfort. Regular alignment checks are a small investment that pays significant dividends in reduced costs and improved safety. If you notice any symptoms of misalignment, or if it's been over a year since your last check, book an alignment service at IQ Tyres today. Your tyres, your wallet, and your safety will thank you.