What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment (also known as tracking) is the process of adjusting your vehicle's suspension angles so that the wheels are positioned to the manufacturer's specifications.
Wheel alignment involves checking key suspension angles, including camber, toe and caster, which all affect how your tyres meet the road, how your vehicle’s handling, and how evenly your tyres wear. Correct wheel alignment helps your car drive straight, improves handling, reduces uneven tyre wear and can help to improve fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance.
In this guide, we'll explain why wheel alignment is important, how to spot signs that your car may need it, how much it costs, and where you can book a wheel alignment check.
Why is wheel alignment important?
Wheel alignment is important because it keeps your wheels positioned at the correct manufacturer-specified angles, helping your tyres maintain even contact with the road.
Correct wheel alignment improves steering, handling and overall vehicle stability, helping your car feel safer and more comfortable to drive.
The problems associated with misaligned wheels include:
- Premature or uneven tyre wear.
- Reduced handling and steering response.
- Increased wear on suspension and steering parts, which could lead to more expensive repairs.
- Higher fuel consumption as increased rolling resistance makes your engine work harder.
Regular wheel alignment checks can help extend the life of your tyres, improve fuel efficiency and help you avoid unnecessary repair costs caused by excessive tyre or suspension wear.
Is wheel alignment necessary?
Yes, wheel alignment is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Keeping your wheels correctly aligned helps your car handle as it should, supports even tyre wear and can help improve fuel efficiency. If left unchecked, misalignment can affect steering, handling and overall driving comfort.
If you're having new tyres fitted, it's a good time to have your wheel alignment checked too. Correct alignment helps promote even tyre wear, maximise tyre life and keep your vehicle handling as it should. Many drivers also choose to book a wheel alignment alongside their annual service for complete peace of mind.
How do you know if you need a wheel alignment?
There are several signs that your vehicle may need a wheel alignment check. One of the most noticeable signs is that your vehicle is pulling to the left or right when driving on a straight road. This may indicate that your wheels are not positioned correctly, affecting your handling and driving stability.
Uneven or accelerated tyre wear is another common sign of wheel misalignment. If one tyre is wearing faster than the others, or you notice more wear on one edge of the tread, your wheels may not be making proper contact with the road. This can reduce tyre lifespan and mean that your tyres need replacing sooner, which can lead to more frequent expenses.
Don't forget that if you're unsure about the condition of your tyres, you can book in for a completely Free Tyre Check where our experts will examine the condition, pressure, and tread depth to keep you driving safely and confidently.
Other signs that your car may need a wheel alignment include:
- Your steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight.
- Your car feels less stable or harder to control.
- You notice unusual tyre wear after hitting a pothole or kerb.
- Increased fuel consumption.
- Unsual noises from your vehicle when turning corners.
If you notice any of these signs, it's recommended to have your wheel alignment checked by a professional. A correct alignment can help improve handling, support even tyre wear and maintain efficient driving.
How much does wheel alignment cost?
The cost of a wheel alignment depends on the type of service your vehicle needs. A standard wheel alignment can be carried out on the front wheels, whereas a four-wheel alignment typically costs more due to the additional checks and adjustments required.
Where can you have your alignment repaired?
You can have your wheel alignment checked and adjusted at your local National Tyres branch. Our trained technicians can help identify whether your wheels are correctly aligned and make any necessary adjustments to support safer handling, even tyre wear and improved driving performance.
How long does wheel alignment take?
A wheel alignment usually takes around 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of service required and your vehicle. A standard two-wheel alignment can often be completed in up to 40 minutes, while a four-wheel alignment or more complex adjustments may take longer.
During a wheel alignment service, a technician checks your wheel angles and adjusts them to meet the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. The time needed can vary depending on whether any additional issues are found, such as worn suspension components or the need for further adjustments.
To avoid unnecessary waiting, it is recommended to book your wheel alignment appointment in advance.
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Keeping your wheels correctly aligned can improve your driving experience, extend the life of your tyres and support safer journeys. If you think your car may need a wheel alignment, our trained technicians can check and adjust your vehicle to help get you back on the road with confidence.
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