Wheel Alignment: Costs & Importance

Unless you are an expert driver with advanced skills in car mechanics, as well as having the adequate tooling, geometry settings should not be tampered with. Every vehicle has a unique combination of settings for optimal performances for the camber angle, caster angle, and the toe-in (or toe-out). Geometry consists in setting and making sure all the wheels have the proper alignment. The operation typically costs between £50 and £100.

Yes, the costs involved in alignment controls are quite high, but it is a necessary evil. Wrong settings can drastically reduce the lifespan of your tyres and might result in an unpleasant or even dangerous driving experience. Investing in proper wheel alignment is an investment in the longevity of your tyres and your safety on the road.

When Should You Check Wheel Alignment?

Before getting into the technical details, let's address the main questions about alignment. Many car owners wonder how often this procedure is needed.

Should I check alignment as often as oil?

Not at all. Wheel alignment, or geometry as it's often called, is a specialised procedure that needs to be requested only in specific circumstances. Unlike regular oil changes, you don't need to worry about it on a frequent basis. You should consider checking your alignment when you notice any of the following:

• Your car consistently veers to the left or right when driving on a straight road.
• Your tyres display signs of irregular wear, such as feathering, cupping, or uneven wear patterns across the tread.
• The steering wheel does not return to its neutral, centred position after completing a turn.
• Your tyres emit worrying or unusual sounds, which can sometimes be an indication of misalignment.

Should I check geometry whenever I replace or rotate my tyres?

Generally speaking, checking geometry when replacing tyres is not a compulsory procedure. However, it is crucial to get your tyres balanced on the wheels when they are fitted. It is not compulsory to check geometry when you keep the same tyre sizes as the original specifications. However, geometry becomes compulsory when you decide to move away from the original tyre sizes or if you've had any suspension work done.

As a matter of fact, most reputable car mechanics will offer this service as a precautionary measure, just to ensure everything is in order and to prevent potential issues down the line. It's always a good idea to ask your mechanic for their recommendation based on your specific vehicle and driving habits.

What Exactly is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment, often referred to as geometry, involves a series of precise measurement checks and adjustments to ensure your wheels are pointing in the correct direction relative to the road and to each other. The key components of a wheel alignment are:

Camber

Camber is expressed in degrees and refers to the tilt of the top of the wheel, either inward or outward, when viewed from the front of the car.

For sport driving, negative camber is generally preferred for more efficient contact patches during cornering. However, as noted, negative camber can also negatively affect the contact patch in straight lines, potentially leading to more wear.

Caster

Caster, also expressed in degrees, is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. It influences steering stability and how the steering wheel returns to centre.

The caster angle is almost invariably positive in order to ensure the forward motion and stability of the vehicle. Even racing pilots barely modify the caster angle. It is usually modified to regain the good values after an accident or a significant shock to the suspension or steering system.

Toe-in / Parallelism

The toe-in (or toe-out) setting refers to the alignment of the front wheels relative to each other, as viewed from above.

When the wheels point away from each other, we speak about toe-out. Conversely, when they point toward each other, toe-in is used. In order to adapt to the mechanical forces that influence a moving vehicle, toe-in and toe-out settings depend on whether your car is a front-wheel drive or a rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive vehicles typically benefit from a little toe-out, while rear-wheel-drive vehicles often have a slight toe-in. These precise settings are crucial for optimal handling and tyre longevity.

The Importance of Proper Alignment

In conclusion, you should always bear in mind the importance of proper alignment settings. Never mind if you are equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art tyres; if your alignment settings are incorrect, your tyres will suffer from it in no time. Incorrect alignment can lead to:

• Premature and uneven tyre wear: This is the most common consequence, significantly reducing the lifespan of your tyres and costing you more in replacements.
• Compromised handling and stability: Your car might pull to one side, feel unstable, or be difficult to control, especially at higher speeds or during cornering.
• Increased fuel consumption: Misaligned wheels create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
• Damage to other suspension components: Prolonged misalignment can put undue stress on other parts of your suspension system, potentially leading to further costly repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the typical cost for a wheel alignment?

A1: The cost for a standard four-wheel alignment typically ranges from £50 to £100 in the UK, depending on the garage and the complexity of the adjustments needed.

Q2: How can I tell if my car needs an alignment?

A2: Signs include your car pulling to one side, uneven tyre wear, a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, or vibrations felt through the steering wheel.

Q3: Does tyre rotation require an alignment check?

A3: While tyre rotation itself doesn't necessitate an alignment check, it's a good opportunity to inspect your tyres for uneven wear, which might indicate an underlying alignment issue.

Q4: Can I adjust my car's alignment myself?

A4: While some very basic DIY tools are available, professional equipment and expertise are required for accurate alignment. It is strongly recommended to have this done by a qualified mechanic to avoid making the problem worse.

Q5: How long does a wheel alignment take?

A5: A typical wheel alignment service usually takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the vehicle and the extent of the adjustments required.

Ensuring your vehicle's wheel alignment is correctly set is a fundamental aspect of car maintenance that pays dividends in tyre life, fuel efficiency, and overall driving safety and comfort.