Trakrite: Your Wheel Alignment Guide

Maintaining proper wheel alignment is a cornerstone of good vehicle maintenance. It directly impacts how your car handles, its overall safety on the road, and crucially, the longevity of your tyres and your fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tyre wear, pulling to one side, and a general feeling of instability. Fortunately, tools like the Trakrite system are designed to make this vital check accessible and straightforward for everyone, from seasoned professionals to the everyday motorist. This guide will delve into how Trakrite works, its benefits, and why it's an indispensable addition to any garage or workshop.

Understanding Wheel Alignment

Before we explore the Trakrite device itself, it's important to understand the fundamental principles of wheel alignment. Wheel alignment refers to the angles of the wheels relative to the ground and to each other. The key measurements are:

• Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel from the vertical.
• Caster: The angle of the steering axis in relation to a vertical line through the front of the wheel.
• Toe: The angle of the wheels when viewed from above. If the front of the wheels are closer together than the back, it's 'toe-in'. If the back is closer, it's 'toe-out'.
• Thrust Angle: The angle of the rear axle relative to the vehicle's centreline.

When these angles are not set correctly, it can cause a multitude of problems. For instance, excessive toe-out can lead to rapid wear on the outer edges of your tyres, while toe-in can wear the inner edges. Incorrect camber can cause wear along one edge of the tyre, and poor caster can affect steering stability.

How Trakrite Works: The Simple Science

The Trakrite system is lauded for its simplicity and accuracy, making it a favourite for checking 'toe' alignment, also commonly referred to as wheel tracking. Its design is elegantly straightforward:

The Roller Bearing Platform

At the heart of the Trakrite system is a low-profile roller bearing platform. This platform is designed to be placed on a level surface. You then slowly drive one of the vehicle's front wheels onto this platform, ensuring the vehicle is positioned with its wheels pointing straight ahead. The key here is the roller bearing mounted top plate. As the wheel rolls slowly over it, the platform is designed to move laterally if there's any misalignment in the 'toe' angle. Think of it as a very sensitive scale for your wheel's direction.

The Dial Indicator: Visualising Misalignment

Attached to the Trakrite unit is a dial indicator. This is the crucial component for quantifying any movement detected by the roller platform. The dial indicator is an easy-to-read gauge that clearly displays the degree of any toe-in or toe-out. When you drive the wheel onto the platform, the indicator needle will move, showing precisely how much the wheel is deviating from a perfectly straight-ahead position. This direct visual feedback allows for quick and precise assessment of the tracking.

The Process in Action

The typical process for using Trakrite is as follows:

1. Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface.
2. Position the Trakrite unit on the ground.
3. With the vehicle's steering wheel held straight, slowly drive the front wheel onto the Trakrite platform.
4. Observe the dial indicator. It will show any deviation from zero, indicating toe-in or toe-out.
5. For a complete check, you would typically repeat this process for the other front wheel. Trakrite is designed to check tracking on both front and rear wheels.

The entire process is remarkably quick, with tests often completed in as little as five minutes, requiring no specialised technical knowledge. This makes it an ideal tool for home mechanics and professional garages alike.

Benefits of Using Trakrite

The advantages of incorporating Trakrite into your vehicle maintenance routine are significant:

Improved Handling and Safety

Properly aligned wheels are fundamental to a car's handling characteristics. When your wheels are tracking correctly, your vehicle will steer more predictably, remain stable during cornering, and be less susceptible to pulling to one side. This enhanced control directly translates to improved safety, giving you greater confidence behind the wheel, especially in adverse conditions or during emergency manoeuvres. A car that pulls to one side is not only annoying but can be dangerous.

Reduced Tyre Wear

This is perhaps the most tangible benefit for many owners. Misaligned wheels, particularly incorrect toe settings, are a primary cause of premature and uneven tyre wear. Tyres can wear down rapidly on the edges (inner or outer) or develop a feathered pattern across the tread. By ensuring your wheels are correctly aligned with a tool like Trakrite, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your tyres, saving money in the long run. Tyre wear is a costly consequence of poor alignment.

Enhanced Fuel Economy

When your wheels are not aligned correctly, they essentially drag against the road surface, creating unnecessary resistance. This increased rolling resistance means your engine has to work harder to maintain speed, leading to higher fuel consumption. By correcting misalignment, you reduce this resistance, allowing your vehicle to roll more freely and thus improving its fuel economy. Even a small improvement in MPG can add up over time.

Versatility for Different Vehicles

Trakrite isn't just for modern cars. Its design is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including light commercial vehicles and even vintage cars. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for workshops that handle diverse automotive needs. Whether you're working on a daily driver, a van, or a classic car, Trakrite can help ensure its wheels are tracking true.

Ease of Use for All Levels

As mentioned, Trakrite requires no prior technical expertise. The intuitive design means anyone can learn to use it quickly and effectively. This accessibility democratises a crucial aspect of car maintenance, empowering private motorists to perform their own checks and identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Advanced Applications: Motorsport and Off-Road

While Trakrite is excellent for standard alignment checks, its ability to allow for adjustments to tracking angles opens up possibilities for more specialised applications. In motorsport, teams often fine-tune wheel tracking to achieve specific handling characteristics. For instance, a slight toe-out on the front can improve turn-in response, while toe-in can enhance stability. Similarly, off-road enthusiasts might adjust tracking for different terrains or to compensate for modifications. Trakrite provides the precision needed for these custom adjustments.

Enhancing Accuracy with Accessories

For users seeking the utmost precision, Trakrite can be used in conjunction with accessories like the Gunson balance mat. A balance mat helps ensure that the surface the Trakrite is placed on is perfectly level and free from any minor imperfections that could skew the readings. This attention to detail is what separates a good check from a great one, especially when precise adjustments are being made.

Technical Specifications and Dimensions

The Trakrite unit itself is compact and easy to handle:

• Width: 270mm
• Length: 470mm
• Height: 20mm
• Weight: 1kg

These dimensions mean it takes up minimal space in a toolbox or workshop, and its light weight makes it easy to transport and position.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trakrite

Q1: How often should I check my wheel alignment?

It's recommended to check your wheel alignment at least once a year, or whenever you notice symptoms like uneven tyre wear, the vehicle pulling to one side, or if you've hit a significant pothole or curb. Many also check it after fitting new tyres.

Q2: Can Trakrite check all types of wheel alignment angles?

Trakrite is specifically designed for checking 'toe' or wheel tracking. It does not measure camber or caster angles, which typically require more sophisticated equipment.

Q3: Do I need any special tools to use Trakrite?

No, Trakrite is designed for ease of use. The primary requirement is a level surface. Using a balance mat can enhance accuracy, but it is an optional accessory.

Q4: Is Trakrite suitable for commercial vehicles?

Yes, Trakrite is suitable for checking the wheel alignment on cars and light commercial vehicles, including both front and rear wheels.

Q5: How long does it take to check the alignment with Trakrite?

The Trakrite system is very efficient, with accurate tests typically completed in approximately 5 minutes.

Conclusion: An Essential Tool for Every Driver

The Trakrite system offers a simple, accurate, and cost-effective solution for monitoring and maintaining your vehicle's wheel alignment. By ensuring your wheels are correctly tracked, you contribute to safer driving, extend the life of your tyres, and improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Whether you're a professional mechanic, a fleet manager, or a private motorist who values their vehicle's performance and longevity, Trakrite is an invaluable diagnostic tool.