How Can I Tell If My Wheel Alignment is Out?
Wheel alignment is crucial for safety and efficiency when driving any vehicle. When your wheels are properly aligned, they work together to provide optimal handling, fuel efficiency, and even tyre wear. However, over time, there are several factors that can cause your wheels to become “out”, leading to a range of issues. In this blog, we’ll explore the common signs that suggest when wheel balancing and tracking might be required and how to get it fixed.
Signs Your Wheel Alignment is Off
One of the most obvious signs of wheel misalignment is uneven tyre wear. If you notice that your tyres are wearing down faster on the inside or outside edges, it’s a clear sign that the alignment is out. An uneven wear pattern is often caused by the wheels being angled improperly, leading to increased friction and premature wear of the rubber.
Another telltale sign is if your vehicle seems to be “pulling” or “drifting” to one side while you’re driving on a straight, level road. This is a result of the wheels being misaligned, causing the vehicle to steer itself in an unintended direction. You may also notice that your steering wheel isn’t centred when you drive straight, which is another indicator of alignment issues.
Vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle can also point to problems in this area. While this symptom can have various causes, misaligned wheels are a common culprit. Lastly, you might notice a drop in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, as misaligned wheels create increased rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder to maintain speed.
When to Get Your Alignment Checked
Think back to the last time you had your tyres rotated or the air pressure was checked. If it’s been a while, this can lead to uneven and premature wear. We recommend having your car’s wheel alignment checked every two years or 10,000 miles – whichever comes first. The benefits are numerous – not only will you prevent repairs and slow down tyre wear, but you’ll also increase your car’s fuel efficiency, improve its handling and its safety all from this one check.
While you might be tempted to put it off until an issue arises, taking a more proactive approach will help you address problems before they become more serious. Any time you have new tyres fitted, take your car in for suspension repairs, or if you’re having your vehicle serviced, it’s also recommended to have the alignment checked at the same time. Lastly, if you hit a kerb or a large pothole, take the car in to be checked as this can throw off the wheel alignment.
How to Get Your Alignment Fixed
If you suspect your wheel alignment is off, the best course of action is to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic or servicing centre, as they’ll have the specialised equipment and expertise to accurately diagnose and correct any alignment issues. During the alignment service, your mechanic will make the necessary adjustments to the various suspension components to ensure your wheels are properly angled and centred.
For those more mechanically inclined, there are some basic at-home methods you can use to check your wheel alignment, such as measuring tyre wear patterns or observing the vehicle’s tracking on a level surface. However, it’s important to note that attempting to perform a full DIY wheel alignment can be challenging and may require specialised tools. For this reason, we’d always recommend seeking expert guidance to avoid causing further damage to your vehicle.
Maintaining proper wheel alignment is a key part of car maintenance and essential for the longevity of your tyres, the handling and stability of your vehicle, and your overall driving experience. Being aware of the common signs of alignment issues and taking proactive steps to address them will ensure your vehicle continues to perform at its best, while also maximising your fuel efficiency and safety on the road.
For more advice on wheel alignment issues or to book your vehicle in for tyre tracking repairs, contact Basingstoke MOT and Servicing Centre today.
