Keeping your car in top shape means paying attention to the finer details, and wheel alignment is one of those crucial yet often overlooked aspects of vehicle maintenance. If your steering wheel feels off-centre, your vehicle pulls to one side, or you’re noticing uneven tyre wear, a wheel alignment service might be exactly what you need.
In this blog, we’ll take a more detailed look at wheel alignment, what’s involved, and how to make sure you get a great deal if you need your wheels aligned.
Quick Answer: Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of a vehicle’s wheels to ensure proper contact with the road. A wheel alignment service prevents uneven tyre wear, improves vehicle handling, and enhances straight-line stability by correcting misaligned wheels.
Understanding Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment refers to the process of adjusting the angles of a vehicle’s wheels to ensure they make proper contact with the road. Unlike wheel balancing, which corrects uneven weight distribution in the tyre and wheel assembly, wheel alignment adjusts the positioning of your wheels to match manufacturer specifications. This ensures straight-line stability, proper tyre wear, and optimal vehicle handling.
A misaligned vehicle can lead to excessive wear on tyres, suspension components, and even impact fuel efficiency. Over time, even minor misalignments can cause significant tyre wear and handling issues, making regular wheel alignment service essential for long-term performance.
Why is Proper Wheel Alignment Important?
1. Prevents Uneven Tyre Wear
One of the most common signs of misaligned wheels is uneven tyre wear. Whether it’s excessive wear on the inside or outside edges, or uneven tread patterns, improper alignment angles can drastically reduce the lifespan of your tyres. Proper alignment helps maintain even tyre wear, improving tyre longevity and saving you money on premature replacements.
2. Improves Vehicle Handling
A misaligned vehicle can make steering unpredictable. If you find your vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel doesn’t return to the centre easily, your alignment may be off. Proper wheel alignment ensures better vehicle handling, making driving safer and more comfortable.
3. Reduces Strain on Suspension Components
Wheel alignment is closely tied to the vehicle’s suspension system. Misaligned wheels put unnecessary stress on suspension components, leading to premature wear and costly repairs. A wheel alignment service helps distribute forces evenly across the suspension, keeping everything in proper working order.
4. Enhances Fuel Efficiency
When wheels are misaligned, your vehicle has to work harder to maintain speed and direction, leading to increased fuel consumption. Proper alignment minimises rolling resistance, helping you get the most out of every litre of fuel.
Key Alignment Angles
Wheel alignment is based on three primary alignment angles:
1. Camber
Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front.
- Negative camber: The top of the wheel tilts inward, improving cornering grip but causing uneven tyre wear if excessive.
- Positive camber: The top of the wheel tilts outward, sometimes used for stability in certain vehicles but generally undesirable for everyday driving.
2. Toe
Toe alignment refers to whether the wheels point slightly inward or outward when viewed from above.
- Toe-in: The front edges of the wheels point inward, which can improve stability but may cause uneven tread wear if excessive.
- Toe-out: The front edges of the wheels point outward, improving responsiveness but potentially reducing tyre longevity.
3. Caster
Caster refers to the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Proper caster alignment helps with straight-line stability and steering control.
Types of Wheel Alignment
1. Two-Wheel Alignment
This type of alignment, sometimes called a front-end alignment, adjusts only the front wheels. It’s suitable for some older cars and certain rear-wheel-drive vehicles. However, for most modern cars, a more comprehensive alignment is recommended.
2. Four-Wheel Alignment
A four-wheel alignment adjusts both the front and rear wheels. This type of alignment is particularly important for vehicles with independent rear suspension, as all four wheels need to be properly aligned to ensure optimal performance.
Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment
Not sure if your vehicle needs a wheel alignment? Here are some common signs:
- Your steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight.
- Your vehicle pulls to one side, requiring constant correction.
- Uneven tyre wear, especially noticeable across different tyres.
- Vibrations in the steering wheel, often mistaken for a wheel balancing issue.
- Difficulty maintaining speed due to increased rolling resistance.
How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?
It’s recommended to have your wheel alignment checked every 10,000 to 15,000 km, or whenever you notice signs of misalignment. Additionally, you should schedule an alignment:
- When getting new tyres fitted to ensure even wear from the start.
- After hitting a pothole or curb that could knock your wheels out of alignment.
- If you’ve had suspension repairs since alignment angles can be affected.
- When you notice handling issues such as pulling or an off-centre steering wheel.
Wheel Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing: What’s the Difference?
Although wheel alignment and wheel balancing are often performed together, they serve different purposes:
- Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels to ensure proper contact with the road and corrects issues like pulling or uneven tyre wear.
- Wheel balancing corrects weight imbalances in the tyre and wheel assembly, preventing vibrations and excessive wear.
If you experience vibrations while driving, you might need tire balancing. If your vehicle pulls to one side or your steering feels off, a wheel alignment service is likely required.
The Bottom Line
Proper wheel alignment is essential for maintaining tyre longevity, vehicle handling, and fuel efficiency. If you notice signs of misalignment—such as uneven tire wear, an off-centre steering wheel, or difficulty maintaining speed—it’s time to book a wheel alignment service.
Need a professional to check your alignment? Auto Hero makes it easy to find and compare trusted mechanics near you. Get your vehicle’s wheels aligned properly today and enjoy a smoother, safer ride!
Written By
Matt Banks
Matt is the founder of Autohero.com.au and has been hooked on cars ever since childhood.
A veteran in automotive since leaving school, Matt has completed his trade as a panel beater and is across all things with wheels.
His first car was a 1967 FORD XR Wagon followed by a string of collectable Holden’s.
Have a question for Matt? leave a comment below.
Thank you for your sharing. I hope this knowledge is useful