Wheel Alignment In Nottingham
Correct wheel alignment keeps your car tracking straight and stops your tyres wearing unevenly. We offer computerised two wheel and four wheel alignment at our Stapleford garage for drivers across Nottingham, and it’s well worth having done when you fit new tyres.
What Poor Alignment Does To Your Tyres
Wheel alignment refers to the angles at which your wheels sit in relation to each other, the car and the road. When those angles are right, each tyre rolls straight and meets the road evenly.
Even a small error means the tyres are dragged slightly sideways with every mile you drive. This wears the tread unevenly, (often along one edge) and can take thousands of miles off a tyre’s life.
Handling suffers as well. Poor alignment can make the steering feel vague or heavy, cause the car to drift and reduce stability under braking. It also increases rolling resistance, so correct alignment saves on fuel as well as tyres.
Signs Your Alignment Is Out
- The car drifts left or right on a straight, level road when you relax your grip on the wheel.
- The steering wheel sits at an angle even when you’re driving straight ahead.
- One edge of the tread (inside or outside) is wearing faster than the rest.
- The tyres squeal on gentle corners or at low speeds, which can point to incorrect toe settings.
- The steering feels vague and the car needs constant small corrections.
- After a turn, the steering wheel is slow to return to centre on its own.
How We Align Your Wheels
- We check the tyres, tyre pressures and steering and suspension components. Worn parts are a common cause of alignment problems and need replacing first, or the new settings won’t hold.
- We fit sensors to the wheels, and the alignment equipment measures each angle precisely.
- We compare the readings with the figures set by your car’s manufacturer.
- We adjust the steering components to bring the angles back within specification.
- We centre the steering wheel and check that the car tracks straight.
Toe, Camber & Caster
Three main angles determine how your wheels meet the road. Your manufacturer specifies each one precisely, and small changes can have a big effect.
Toe
Toe describes whether the front edges of the tyres point slightly inwards or outwards when viewed from above. It’s the angle that most often goes out of line, and incorrect toe is the biggest cause of rapid, uneven tyre wear.
Camber
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Too much tilt either way loads one edge of the tyre more heavily, which wears it faster and reduces grip.
Caster
Caster is the angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side of the car. It affects steering stability and how readily the wheel returns to centre after a turn.
Two Wheel Or Four Wheel Alignment?
Two wheel alignment adjusts the front wheels only, and suits the many cars where the rear wheels have no adjustment.
Four wheel alignment measures and adjusts all four wheels so the front and rear axles point in the same direction.
This is important on cars with adjustable rear suspension.
What Affects The Cost Of Wheel Alignment?
The main factor is whether your car needs two wheel or four wheel alignment, as four wheel takes longer and involves more adjustment. Suspension design plays a part as well, since some cars have more adjustment points than others.
Seized adjusters, worn track rod ends or damaged suspension parts need attention before the alignment can be completed. Any parts required will add to the cost, but without them the new settings won’t last.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How often should I have my wheel alignment checked?
Once a year is a sensible routine for most drivers, even if the car feels fine. It’s also worth checking whenever you fit new tyres or have steering or suspension parts replaced.
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What is the difference between alignment and balancing?
Alignment sets the angles of your wheels so they point in the right direction. Balancing spreads weight evenly around each wheel so it spins smoothly. As a rule, vibration at speed points to a balancing issue, while pulling and edge wear point to alignment.
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Can a pothole knock my alignment out?
Yes. Hitting a pothole or kerb at speed can be enough to shift the alignment or bend a steering component. If your car pulls or the steering wheel sits at an angle after an impact, have it checked before uneven wear sets in.
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Should I get my alignment checked when fitting new tyres?
It’s a good idea. Poor alignment will start wearing new tyres unevenly from the first mile, so checking at the same time protects them and saves you a second visit.
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Can bad alignment cause an MOT failure?
Not directly, as alignment angles aren’t measured during the MOT. However, the tyre damage and worn steering parts that poor alignment causes can result in a fail.
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Can I check my own wheel alignment?
You can spot the warning signs, such as pulling, a crooked steering wheel or uneven tread wear. Measuring the angles accurately takes dedicated alignment equipment though, so a garage check is the only reliable way to confirm a problem.
Book Your Wheel Alignment
If your car is pulling, the steering wheel is off centre or your tyres are wearing unevenly, it’s worth booking an alignment check sooner rather than later.
Pick a time online or call us on 07546 162 088 and we’ll have your car driving straight again.