Wheel Alignment & Geometry Services
What is Wheel Alignment & Wheel Geometry check?
Wheel alignment (also referred to as “tracking”) is the process that ensures the wheels of your vehicle are optimally tuned to the specifications of the car manufacturer. This process involves checking the direction and angle of the wheels and is a critical part of vehicle maintenance.
How can I tell if my wheels are not aligned?
It is not always obvious if your wheels are misaligned but some signs to look out for are:
- Miss-aligned steering wheel - If the tyres are in the neutral position and the wheel is not centered, this indicates the wheels need aligning
- Car pulling to the left or right - While driving down a straight road, if the car drifts to one side it may be a sign your wheels need aligning. Additionally, if the car drifts during braking, you may need your wheels aligning.
- Tyre Wear - When visually inspecting your tyres, any uneven tyre wear is most probably caused by misaligned wheels. Running your hands over the tyre will highlight any areas excessively worn away
If you notice any of these signs or would like our team to check for you, please book an appointment now.
Four Wheel Geometry
Traditional alignment services only correct Toe in & Toe out. However, at A1 alignment, we are proud to be one of the specialist locations to offer a Full Four Wheel Geometry check and adjustment service. Using state-of-the-art technology, we can take precise readings from all-wheel-drive measurements enable adjustments on individual wheels to ensure that the steering wheel is set correctly. Contact us now to guarantee your car is at optimum performance and increase safety.
Types of Wheel Geometry corrections:
Using the state of the art equipment, we can measure and adjust all 5 aspects of Wheel Geometry. 4 of these advanced corrections (* Marked) are only possible due to our Full Four Wheel Geometry service capabilities:
Alignment (toe in and out)
Looking from above the wheel, the wheels either point inwards or outwards. Hence the term toe-in or toe-out. Toe-in is when the front of the wheel is closer together than the rear; Toe-out being the opposite.
Caster*
Viewing from the side of the wheel, the caster is the forward or backward tilt of the upper ball joint in relation to the lower ball joint. If the upper ball joint is leaning to the rear of the car, it is a Positive caster. Learning towards the front of the car is Negative.
Camber*
Viewing the wheel from the front of the car, the camber is the top of the wheel being closer or further away from the car in comparison to the bottom of the wheel. If the top of the wheel is leaning towards the car, it is negative camber.
Set Back*
Viewing from above the chassis, When one wheel is further back from the other. A positive setback is when the right wheel is further back than the left. Opposite for negative setback.
Thrust Angle*
In relation to the centerline, the direction of the rear wheels is the thrust angle. The thrust angle to the right is positive and to the left is negative.
What are the benefits of wheel alignment?
Listed below are some of the key benefits from correctly aligned tyres:
- Improved Fuel Consumption - Incorrect wheel alignment leads to rolling resistance from the tyre. This reduction in resistance results in better fuel economy.
- Improved Handling - Following full alignment and wheel geometry correction, the car handles better as designed by the manufacturer
- Reduced Tyre Wear - Misalignment is a leading cause for Tyre wear as the weight is not distributed correctly. A correct alignment can add thousands of miles to a tyre life
- Save the environment and money - By reducing tyre wear (and the need to replace tyres) and increasing fuel economy, less money is spent on tyres and fuel. Whilst also reducing CO2 emissions and landfill waste
Book now at A1 alignments to ensure your car performing to its max.
How often should I get my wheel alignment checked?
We advise our clients to check their wheel alignments:
- After an impact with a kerb or pothole
- After new tyres are fitted
- Following an accident or collision
- At least once a year
- Every 12’000 - 15’000 miles or as advised in the service manual
If your car fits any of these milestones, we advise you to book immediately using the button below