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The Importance Of Checking Your Wheel Alignment

It is quite astonishing how different driving conditions can affect your vehicle’s wheel alignment. For starters, bad roads are your car’s worst enemy and that includes poorly maintained surfaces, potholes or hitting a curb. Even the smallest bump or knock can cause wheel alignment issues which often accelerates uneven tyre wear.

While changing tyres is a regular part of vehicle maintenance, many motorists underestimate the importance of a wheel alignment check. Also known as tracking, it ensures that your wheels are properly aligned for even tyre wear and overall vehicle safety. For your own peace of mind and to ensure the safety of your family and other road users, wheel alignment should be performed every 6,000 miles or so. Trust the experts on this as your tyres and your wallet will be forever grateful.

How Do You Know If You Need An Alignment?

Your steering wheel is a great indicator that it may be time for a wheel alignment check. While there may not be obvious signs like with worn tyres, there are a few things that could indicate misalignment. Most drivers know their cars and often, using your eyes, ears and hands work well to detect poor alignment. Here are some of the most common signs that you may need to check your wheel alignment:

  • Vehicle pulling to the left or right when attempting to drive in a straight line
  • Rapid or uneven tyre wear
  • Your steering wheel is not centered when driving straight
  • Squealing tyres

If you notice any of these possible alignment issues, schedule a wheel alignment check at Elite Garages. Our expert team will get you back on the road pointing in the right direction in no time at all.

Why Is Wheel Alignment Necessary?

Just as you’d regularly service your car, change tyres and book your MOT, wheel alignment is as important. However, many motorists overlook the fact that poor alignment can be detrimental to their vehicle’s performance and longevity. Here are five compelling reasons why wheel alignment should be part of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Improve Your Tyres’ Lifespan

It’s an unfortunate fact but all tyres wear regardless of the brand and the vehicle you drive. However, good driving habits certainly help and so does regular wheel alignment checks. Restricting the frequency of replacing tyres should always be in your best interest.

Misalignment adversely affects how your tyres wear as it’s more likely to occur around the edges than in the middle. As a result, your tyre tread could fall below the legal minimum sooner than expected which requires immediate replacement.

If you continue driving on badly worn tyres, not only do you risk a hefty fine but you may also invalidate your car’s insurance. An even more serious consequence is putting yourself, your family and other road users at risk.

Better Quality Ride

Driving with incorrectly aligned wheels seriously affect the ride quality. Your car can easily drift to one side despite your best efforts in maintaining a straight line. While this is somewhat annoying, it could also be potentially dangerous always adjusting your steering to compensate for the drift. Correctly aligning your wheels will help ensure that your car drives in a constant, straight line which improves the safety and quality of your driving experience.

Improved Fuel Economy

Misaligned wheels mean the tyres can’t properly grip the road surface so your engine has to work harder. This extra effort, of course, leads to more fuel consumption and burning a hole in your budget. A simple wheel alignment check will help your tyres grip the road better while reducing the demand on your engine. As a result, your car will achieve optimum fuel consumption, performance and saving you money in the process.

Reduce Wear And Tear On Your Vehicle

Believe it or not but incorrect alignment can expose the suspension components to premature wear and unwanted damage. The knock-on effect from bad roads, potholes and not aligning your wheels could result in earlier repairs or replacements.

While there isn’t much you can do about uneven roads or potholes, you can alter your driving habits and service schedules. With regular wheel alignment checks, you can feel confident that your suspension is less likely to get damaged.

Reduce The Impact Of Your Car On The Environment

In addition to saving money, achieving optimum fuel consumption really does reduce your car’s carbon footprint. Because poor wheel alignment means regular refuelling, your car will produce higher carbon dioxide levels which negatively impacts the environment. While this is a concern for all car owners (EVs excluded), a simple wheel alignment check could make a difference in helping to protect our beautiful planet.

 

Expert Alignment And Tyre Service From Elite Garages

Vehicles rely on precision to function safely and optimally. Tyres and wheels can easily become misaligned as a result of road conditions, driving habits and especially accidents. The front wheels are often more susceptible to poor alignment although the rear wheels can also experience displacement issues.

Elite Garages regularly offer special tyre deals along with valuable advice from skilled, professional and friendly technicians. Some of the leading tyre brands we stock include Avon, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin and Pirelli.

Our team will always go the extra mile to provide you with the best possible service and advice. We also offer several complimentary services with no hidden costs or commitments. Talk to any of our friendly and knowledgeable staff if you need additional information. Contact your local branch to book a free vehicle check and if your wheels need alignment, we can do it on the same day.