24/08/2015
We've grown accustomed to our cars being robust, sturdy, and remarkably reliable machines. Yet, beneath their tough exterior, certain components remain surprisingly sensitive and vulnerable to the everyday perils of our roads. The wheels, in particular, are susceptible to the jarring impact of potholes and the subtle scrapes against kerbs. These seemingly minor incidents can have a significant effect on your vehicle's alignment, leading to a cascade of issues that impact everything from driving comfort to safety and even your wallet.
If you've recently experienced a jolt from hitting a particularly nasty pothole, or perhaps brushed a kerb a little too closely, you might start noticing tell-tale signs. Perhaps your car now pulls slightly in one direction when you're trying to drive straight, or the steering wheel isn't quite centralised when the wheels are pointing ahead. These aren't just quirks; they're strong indicators that your car's wheels are no longer correctly aligned. At this point, it's time to have them properly checked and, if necessary, rectified. But what kind of check do you need? And what exactly is the difference between a standard 'tracking check' and a more advanced 'laser wheel alignment'?
- Understanding Basic Tracking Checks
- The Precision of Laser Wheel Alignment
- Why Precision Wheel Alignment is Crucial
- Tracking Check vs. Laser Wheel Alignment: A Comprehensive Comparison
- When Do You Need Wheel Alignment?
- The Wheel Alignment Process at a Garage
- Frequently Asked Questions About Wheel Alignment
- Conclusion
Understanding Basic Tracking Checks
The term 'tracking' is often used in the UK to refer to a more basic form of wheel alignment, specifically focusing on the 'toe' angle of the front wheels. In essence, a tracking check assesses whether your front wheels are parallel to each other and pointing straight ahead. Historically, and even in some simpler garages today, this might involve using basic mechanical gauges, optical devices, or even a string alignment method.
During a basic tracking check, a technician primarily looks at the front wheels' toe setting. This is the angle at which the wheels point inwards or outwards when viewed from above. If the wheels are pointing inwards, it's 'toe-in'; if outwards, it's 'toe-out'. Incorrect toe settings are a leading cause of rapid and uneven tyre wear, often appearing as feathering or scuffing on the tyre's edges. A basic tracking adjustment can correct this particular issue, helping to restore straight-line stability and prevent premature tyre replacement.
While a tracking check can address immediate front-end alignment issues and is generally quicker and less expensive, it has limitations. It typically only focuses on the front axle and doesn't account for the other critical alignment angles – camber and caster – nor does it consider the alignment of the rear wheels, which are crucial for overall vehicle handling and stability, especially in modern vehicles.
The Precision of Laser Wheel Alignment
In contrast to a basic tracking check, laser wheel alignment represents a far more comprehensive and accurate approach to ensuring your vehicle's wheels are perfectly set up according to the manufacturer's specifications. While it might sound technologically complex, the principle is relatively straightforward: it uses highly accurate light beams and sophisticated computer software to measure the precise angles of all four wheels.
To perform a laser wheel alignment, a technician attaches specialised sensors or brackets to each of your car's wheels. These sensors typically incorporate laser emitters and reflectors. Light beams are then shone from one sensor to another, or sometimes from an overhead projector, reflecting back to the sensors. The exact position where these beams of light fall on a scale, or how they are received by the sensors, provides incredibly precise data to a connected computer system.
This computer then compares the measured angles against the car manufacturer's specific settings for your vehicle model. This level of precision allows the technician to identify even minute discrepancies in alignment. Once the degree of misalignment has been established for each wheel, it becomes a relatively simple, albeit skilled, job to adjust the suspension components – such as tie rods or eccentric bolts – to bring the wheels back into their correct positions. This process ensures that all four wheels are working in harmony, optimising your vehicle's performance.
What Laser Wheel Alignment Checks: The Three Critical Angles
Laser wheel alignment goes beyond just the 'toe' and meticulously checks three crucial angles for each wheel. Each angle is calculated by the car manufacturer to improve the performance of the car's steering and suspension systems, with the ultimate goal of making the car handle smoothly, responsively, and predictably.
Toe: As mentioned, this is the most commonly adjusted angle. It refers to how much the front of the wheels are pointing inwards (toe-in) or outwards (toe-out) when viewed from above. Correct toe settings are vital for straight-line stability and preventing uneven tyre wear.
Camber: This angle describes the vertical tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front of the car. If the top of the wheel tilts outwards, it's positive camber; if it tilts inwards, it's negative camber. Incorrect camber can lead to wear on one side of the tyre and affect the car's grip during cornering.
Caster: This is the angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side of the car. It's not typically adjustable on many vehicles but is crucial for steering stability, the feel of the steering, and the wheel's tendency to return to a straight-ahead position after a turn. Incorrect caster can make the steering feel heavy or unstable.
By checking and adjusting all three of these angles for all four wheels, laser alignment provides a comprehensive solution that basic tracking simply cannot match. It ensures that not only your front wheels are correctly aligned, but also that your rear wheels are tracking perfectly in line with the front, eliminating issues like a 'crabbing' sensation where the car feels like it's moving sideways.
Why Precision Wheel Alignment is Crucial
Beyond correcting a crooked steering wheel or preventing your car from pulling, precise wheel alignment offers a multitude of benefits that impact your driving experience, vehicle longevity, and overall costs:
Enhanced Safety: A properly aligned car provides predictable and responsive steering. This means you have better control of your vehicle, especially in emergency situations, significantly enhancing your safety on the road.
Depends who you ask. Some people use the terms synonymously, while others hold laser wheel alignment is a more sophisticated process. A simple tracking check tends to cover only look at certain elements of the front wheels, while laser alignment will generally measure more points and angles on all four wheels. Extended Tyre Life: Uneven tyre wear is one of the most common and costly consequences of misaligned wheels. By ensuring your tyres make even contact with the road, proper alignment maximises their lifespan, saving you money on premature replacements.
Improved Fuel Economy: When wheels are out of alignment, they create increased rolling resistance and drag. This forces your engine to work harder, consuming more fuel. Correct alignment reduces this resistance, leading to better fuel efficiency and lower running costs.
Smoother Driving Experience: You'll notice the difference immediately. A well-aligned car drives straight without needing constant steering corrections, making long journeys more comfortable and reducing driver fatigue.
Reduced Component Wear: Misalignment doesn't just affect tyres; it can also put undue stress on steering and suspension components, leading to premature wear and potentially expensive repairs down the line.
Tracking Check vs. Laser Wheel Alignment: A Comprehensive Comparison
To help you decide which service is right for your vehicle, here's a detailed comparison of the two methods:
| Feature | Basic Tracking Check (Toe Alignment) | Laser Wheel Alignment (Four-Wheel Alignment) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Simpler mechanical gauges, optical devices, or string alignment. | Advanced laser sensors, reflectors, and computer software. |
| Angles Checked | Primarily front wheel toe angle only. | All three critical angles: camber, caster, and toe for all four wheels. |
| Accuracy | Good for basic toe adjustments; less precise overall. | Highly accurate to fractions of a degree, ensuring optimal settings. |
| Scope | Focuses on front wheels; assumes rear wheels are true. | Comprehensive check of all four wheels, accounting for rear axle thrust angle. |
| Cost | Generally less expensive due to simpler equipment and shorter time. | Typically more expensive due to advanced technology and thoroughness. |
| Ideal For | Quick check after minor impact, or if only toe adjustment is suspected. | Post-suspension work, after hitting a significant impact, persistent handling issues, or when buying new tyres. |
| Benefits | Corrects basic straight-line pulling; prevents immediate front tyre wear. | Optimises vehicle handling, maximises tyre life, improves fuel efficiency, enhances safety. |
When Do You Need Wheel Alignment?
It's not always about hitting a major pothole. Sometimes, misalignment can creep up gradually. Here are the common scenarios that indicate you need an alignment check:
Vehicle Pulling: Your car drifts or pulls to one side when you're driving on a straight, level road.
Crooked Steering Wheel: The steering wheel isn't centred even when you're driving straight.
Uneven Tyre Wear: Inspect your tyres for unusual wear patterns, such as excessive wear on one edge (feathering), or uneven chunks (cupping).
Squealing Tyres: Tyres squeal, especially when turning corners.
After Hitting an Impact: Any significant impact with a pothole, kerb, or road debris.
After Suspension or Steering Repairs: If you've had new shock absorbers, struts, tie rods, or any other steering/suspension components replaced.
New Tyres: It's highly recommended to get an alignment check when fitting new tyres to ensure they wear evenly from the start and you get the most out of your investment.
The Wheel Alignment Process at a Garage
When you take your car in for a wheel alignment, here's typically what happens:
Vehicle Preparation: Your car is driven onto a specialised alignment ramp, which allows the technician clear access and ensures the vehicle is level.
You can have your wheel alignment checked at any Tyre Pros centre nationwide, completely free of charge. Our experts use specialist equipment, the latest techniques and follow the most up-to-date manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure optimal wheel alignment for your specific vehicle make and model. Sensor Attachment: As described earlier, precision sensors or brackets are securely attached to each of your wheels. These are the tools that will measure the angles.
Measurement: Laser beams are shone, or optical measurements are taken, and the data is fed into a sophisticated computer system. This system then compares your car's current alignment readings against the manufacturer's precise specifications for your make and model.
Adjustment: If the readings are out of specification, the technician will make precise adjustments to the steering and suspension components, typically the tie rods for toe adjustment, and sometimes eccentric bolts or shims for camber and caster on adjustable systems. The computer screen often provides real-time feedback, allowing for incredibly accurate adjustments.
Re-measurement and Confirmation: Once adjustments are made, the wheels are re-measured to confirm that all angles are now within the manufacturer's recommended range.
Test Drive (Optional but Recommended): Some garages will perform a short test drive to ensure the vehicle handles correctly and the steering wheel is centred.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheel Alignment
How often should I get my wheel alignment checked?
It's generally recommended to have your wheel alignment checked annually, or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, you should definitely get it checked immediately after hitting a significant pothole or kerb, or after any work on your car's suspension or steering components.
Can I perform wheel alignment myself?
No. Wheel alignment requires highly specialised equipment, precision tools, and expert knowledge to accurately measure and adjust the minute angles involved. Attempting to do it yourself can lead to further damage, compromised handling, and unsafe driving conditions.
What are the common signs of bad alignment?
The most common signs include your car pulling to one side, a crooked or off-centre steering wheel when driving straight, uneven or rapid tyre wear (such as feathering or cupping), and a general feeling of instability or vague steering.
Is four-wheel alignment necessary, even if my car is only front-wheel drive?
Yes, for most modern vehicles, a four-wheel laser alignment is highly recommended. Even if only the front wheels are adjustable, the alignment of the rear axle significantly influences the vehicle's thrust angle. If the rear wheels aren't aligned correctly, they can push the vehicle slightly off-centre, forcing the front wheels to compensate, leading to handling issues and uneven tyre wear across all four wheels.
How long does a wheel alignment take?
A full laser wheel alignment typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, assuming no seized components or unforeseen issues. If significant adjustments are required, or if parts need to be freed up, it might take a little longer.
Conclusion
While a basic tracking check might offer a quick fix for simple front-wheel toe issues, it's clear that for comprehensive care and optimal vehicle performance, laser wheel alignment is the superior choice. It provides unparalleled precision by addressing all critical angles across all four wheels, ensuring your car not only drives straight but also handles safely, extends the life of your expensive tyres, and even improves your fuel efficiency. Don't underestimate the importance of proper wheel alignment; it's an investment in your safety, your vehicle's longevity, and your peace of mind on the road.
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