Wheel Alignment Explained

Wheel alignment, often referred to as 'tracking' or 'breaking' in the UK, is a fundamental aspect of routine automobile maintenance. It involves adjusting the angles of your vehicle's wheels to precisely match the manufacturer's specifications. The primary objectives of these adjustments are to minimise tyre wear and to ensure your vehicle travels in a straight and true path. Neglecting wheel alignment can lead to a host of issues, from premature tyre replacement to compromised handling and safety. This guide delves into the intricacies of wheel alignment, providing you with the knowledge to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

What Exactly is Wheel Alignment?

At its core, wheel alignment refers to the angles of your car's wheels in relation to the road surface and to each other. These angles, collectively known as 'alignment angles,' dictate how your vehicle handles, how its tyres wear, and its overall stability. The key angles involved are:

• Camber: This is the angle of the wheel relative to the vertical axis when viewed from the front of the car. If the top of the wheel is tilted inwards, it's negative camber; if it's tilted outwards, it's positive camber. Proper camber ensures even tyre contact with the road.
• Caster: Caster is the angle of the steering axis relative to the vertical axis when viewed from the side of the car. Positive caster helps with steering stability and self-centring the steering wheel after a turn.
• Toe: Toe refers to the angle of the wheels relative to the car's longitudinal axis when viewed from above. If the front of the wheels point inwards, it's 'toe-in'; if they point outwards, it's 'toe-out.' Correct toe settings are crucial for straight-line stability and preventing tyre scrub.

Why is Wheel Alignment So Important?

Maintaining proper wheel alignment is paramount for several reasons:

Tyre Longevity

Misaligned wheels cause tyres to drag or scrub across the road surface, leading to rapid and uneven tyre wear. This not only necessitates more frequent tyre replacements, which can be a significant expense, but also compromises the tyre's ability to provide grip and traction. Properly aligned wheels ensure that your tyres make even contact with the road, maximising their lifespan and performance.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

When your wheels are misaligned, your car has to work harder to move forward. This increased resistance, often referred to as 'rolling resistance,' can lead to a noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency. By ensuring your wheels are correctly aligned, you reduce this unnecessary strain on your engine, contributing to better fuel economy.

Enhanced Handling and Stability

Correct wheel alignment is critical for predictable and safe handling. Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, even when you're holding the steering wheel straight. This can make steering feel heavy or unresponsive, and in more severe cases, can affect your car's stability, especially during cornering or at higher speeds. A properly aligned vehicle will track straight and respond predictably to steering inputs, giving you greater confidence on the road.

Reduced Strain on Steering and Suspension Components

When your wheels are out of alignment, it places undue stress on various steering and suspension components. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and tear on parts like the steering rack, ball joints, and bushings, potentially resulting in costly repairs. Proactive alignment checks can help prevent these secondary issues.

How Do I Know If I Need a Wheel Alignment?

Your car's steering and tyre behaviour are often the first indicators that an alignment check is needed. Look out for the following signs:

• Uneven Tyre Wear: This is perhaps the most common and tell-tale sign. Inspect your tyres for wear patterns such as feathering (where the tread edges are worn at an angle), bald spots, or excessive wear on either the inner or outer edges of the tread.
• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: If your car consistently drifts to the left or right when you're driving on a straight and level road, and you're not actively steering it in that direction, it's a strong indication of misaligned wheels.
• Crooked Steering Wheel: When you're driving straight, your steering wheel should be perfectly centred. If it's noticeably off-centre, either tilted to the left or right, it suggests an alignment issue.
• Vibrations in the Steering Wheel: While vibrations can also be a sign of unbalanced wheels, misaligned wheels can also contribute to them. If you feel a shimmy or vibration through the steering wheel, especially at certain speeds, it's worth investigating alignment.
• Loose or Vagrant Steering: If the steering feels imprecise, overly sensitive, or if you find yourself constantly making small steering corrections to keep the car going straight, your alignment may be off.

When Should You Get Your Wheel Alignment Checked?

Regular checks are essential for maintaining optimal alignment. While there's no single rule that fits every vehicle and driving condition, here are some general guidelines:

• Periodically: For most vehicles, it's recommended to have your wheels aligned periodically. A common recommendation from car experts is to schedule an alignment for every other oil change, or approximately every 6,000 miles (around 10,000 kilometres).
• After Pothole Encounters: Hitting a significant pothole or kerb can easily knock your wheels out of alignment. If you've had a particularly jarring impact, it's wise to get your alignment checked.
• After Suspension Work: Any work performed on your vehicle's suspension system, such as replacing shock absorbers, struts, or other components, will likely affect the wheel alignment. It's standard practice to have an alignment performed after such work.
• When Replacing Tyres: If you're fitting new tyres, it's an excellent opportunity to ensure your alignment is correct. This will help ensure your new tyres wear evenly from the start.
• If You Notice Any of the Above Signs: Don't wait for scheduled maintenance if you suspect an alignment problem. Address it as soon as you notice any of the symptoms mentioned earlier.

What Happens During a Wheel Alignment Service?

A professional wheel alignment service typically involves the following steps:

1. Inspection: The technician will first inspect your tyres for wear and tear, check tyre pressures, and examine your vehicle's steering and suspension components for any damage or looseness.
2. Measurement: Using specialised alignment equipment (often laser or camera-based systems), the technician will measure the current angles of your wheels (camber, caster, and toe).
3. Adjustment: Based on the measurements and the manufacturer's specifications for your specific vehicle, the technician will make the necessary adjustments to the alignment angles. This usually involves adjusting tie rods, strut mounts, or other suspension components.
4. Verification: After the adjustments, the technician will re-measure the angles to ensure they are within the manufacturer's acceptable range.

Cost of Wheel Alignment

The cost of a wheel alignment can vary depending on your location, the type of vehicle you drive, and the complexity of the alignment required. For example, in South Africa, prices might range from R200 for a front-wheel alignment to R500 or more for exotic vehicles or those requiring more intricate adjustments like caster adjustments. It's always advisable to get a quote from a reputable garage beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I do a wheel alignment myself?
While some basic adjustments can be made with DIY tools, achieving accurate and manufacturer-specified alignment typically requires specialised equipment and expertise. For best results and to avoid causing further issues, it's recommended to have a professional perform the alignment.

Q2: Will wheel alignment fix tyre noise?
While misaligned wheels can contribute to tyre noise due to uneven wear, wheel alignment itself doesn't directly fix the noise. The noise is a symptom of the underlying wear. Correcting the alignment will prevent the noise from worsening and ensure new tyres wear evenly.

Q3: How long does a wheel alignment take?
Typically, a standard wheel alignment service takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the vehicle and the technician's efficiency.

Q4: Is wheel alignment the same as wheel balancing?
No, they are different services. Wheel balancing addresses the distribution of weight around the tyre and wheel assembly, ensuring it spins smoothly. Wheel alignment deals with the angles of the wheels. Both are important for tyre health and driving comfort.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing wheel alignment is a crucial part of responsible car ownership. By paying attention to the signs your vehicle displays and adhering to recommended maintenance schedules, you can ensure your tyres last longer, your fuel economy remains optimal, and your driving experience is safer and more comfortable. Don't overlook this vital aspect of your vehicle's upkeep – your tyres and your wallet will thank you for it.

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