Why you need a wheel alignment and when to get one

Keeping your vehicle in great condition isn’t just about getting regular oil changes or washing it every now and then. One of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of car maintenance is a wheel alignment. If you’re wondering when to get a wheel alignment or why it even matters, keep on reading.

When do I need a wheel alignment?

There are several key times when you should think about getting a wheel alignment:

1. When new tyres are installed: After you put on new tyres, it’s important to make sure that they’re aligned correctly. This helps them wear evenly and last longer.

2. When suspension work is carried out: Any time you work on your vehicle’s suspension, such as replacing shocks or struts, a wheel alignment is a good idea. Suspension changes can affect the angle of your tyres.

3. When your vehicle hits a curb or pothole: If you accidentally hit a curb or drive over a pothole, it can knock your wheels out of alignment. If you notice your car pulling to one side afterward, it’s a good sign you need a tyre alignment.

4. Anytime unusual tyre wear patterns appear: Uneven tyre wear is one of the most obvious signs that your wheels are out of alignment. If you notice bald spots on your tyres, or if one tyre seems to be wearing faster than the others, it’s time for a wheel alignment.

5. When the car steers off the centreline of direction by itself: If your car drifts to the side when driving straight, you likely need a tyre alignment. This is not only a safety concern but also something that can cause further tyre wear over time.

How we handle tyre alignments at our shop

At our tyre shop, we use the latest Cemb computer wheel aligner. This advanced tool is consistently updated with the latest specifications, so we can provide the most accurate wheel alignment for your vehicle. Here’s how a wheel alignment works: we connect laser heads to your wheels and adjust the angles of your tyres to meet the specific requirements of your car’s make and model.

Accurate tyre alignment makes sure your tyres are angled just right, which means your vehicle will drive straight and your tyres will wear evenly. But why exactly does this matter? Let’s break down the benefits.

How a wheel alignment can save you money

One of the main reasons you need a wheel alignment is to save money in the long run. Poor alignment increases tyre rolling resistance. This means that your engine has to work harder to move your car, which results in lower fuel efficiency and quicker tyre wear.

By getting a proper tyre alignment, you’re making your car more efficient, which saves you money on both tyres and fuel. Including a regular wheel alignment in your annual car maintenance plan can help prevent unexpected costs down the line.

Tyres last longer with a proper wheel alignment

When your wheels are misaligned, your tyres won’t wear evenly. This causes the tyres to wear out faster than they should, leading you to replace them more often. A proper wheel alignment can improve the average lifespan of your tyres by over 20%. This means that the cost of getting an alignment could easily pay for itself with the money you save on tyres.

Save petrol with a proper wheel alignment

Fuel efficiency is a big deal for most drivers, especially with rising fuel prices. A poor wheel alignment increases rolling resistance, which in turn causes your car to burn more petrol. Roughly 30% of your vehicle’s fuel is used to overcome this rolling resistance. Even a small misalignment can dramatically increase how much fuel your car uses.

By getting a regular tyre alignment, you can save up to 5% on your fuel consumption. So not only will your tyres last longer, but you’ll also notice fewer trips to the petrol station.

Improve driver comfort

A wheel alignment doesn’t just benefit your tyres and fuel consumption – it also makes driving more comfortable. When your wheels are aligned properly, your car will drive straight and true. You won’t have to constantly adjust the steering wheel to keep the vehicle moving in a straight line.

This can reduce driver fatigue, especially on long trips. Fighting with the steering wheel for hours on end can be exhausting, but with a proper wheel alignment, you can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.

Signs you might need a wheel alignment

Here are a few signs that it’s time to visit Tyre and Mechanical for a wheel alignment:

– Your car pulls to one side when driving straight.
– You notice uneven tyre wear, like bald spots or one tyre wearing faster than others.
– The steering wheel vibrates while driving, especially at higher speeds.
– The steering wheel isn’t centreed when you’re driving straight.
– After hitting a pothole or curb, your car doesn’t drive the same way it used to.

How often should you get a wheel alignment?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should get a tyre alignment, but a general rule of thumb is once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometres. However, if you notice any of the signs we mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to get an alignment sooner rather than later.

At Tyre and Mechanical, we specialise in wheel alignments and offer different mechanical services to keep your car working well. Whether you’ve recently replaced your tyres, worked on your suspension, or just noticed your car pulling to one side, a wheel alignment can save you money and make driving more comfortable.

Don’t wait until your tyres are worn out or your fuel consumption skyrockets. Make wheel alignments a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine, and you’ll reap the benefits in the long run.