Wheel Alignment Guide | How to Improve Your Car’s Performance & Safety

Ever feel like your car is pulling to one side or your steering wheel isn’t quite straight? That could be a sign of poor wheel alignment.

Properly aligned wheels don’t just improve your car’s handling. They also enhance safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre lifespan.

In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about wheel alignment. Including what exactly it is, why it matters, what benefits it offers, warning signs of misalignment, how the process works, the cost involved, and how often you should align your wheels.

So, keep reading and make sure your car is always running at its best.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your wheels to ensure they are perfectly aligned with each other and the road.

It’s not just about your tyres. It’s about how your car handles, how smoothly it drives, and how long your tyres last.

During a wheel alignment service, a technician fine-tunes key suspension angles; camber, caster, and toe. It is to make sure your wheels are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road. This precise adjustment improves handling, prevents uneven tyre wear, and ensures your car drives straight without pulling to one side.

Why Is Wheel Alignment Important?

Just imagine. You’re cruising down the highway. But instead of gliding smoothly, your car keeps veering off course. Your steering wheel vibrates. And your tyres seem to be wearing unevenly. Sounds frustrating, right?

That’s what happens when your wheels are out of alignment.

Misaligned wheels create unnecessary resistance which causes your tyres to work against each other. This not only makes driving uncomfortable but also puts strain on vital car components like the suspension, steering system, and tyres. Further, this leads to costly repairs down the road.

A proper wheel alignment ensures your car drives effortlessly, reduces wear & tear, and keeps you safe behind the wheel.

Top Benefits of Proper Wheel Alignment

Getting a car wheel alignment isn’t just about keeping your tyres straight. It comes with plenty of benefits:

• Smoother, More Comfortable Ride – No more vibrations, pulling, or unexpected swerving. Aligned wheels mean effortless, stable driving.
• Enhanced Safety & Control – Proper alignment improves your car’s handling, especially during sharp turns or emergency stops, making driving safer.
• Longer-Lasting Tyres – Misalignment causes uneven tyre wear, meaning you’ll need replacements sooner. A proper alignment helps your tyres wear evenly, saving you money in the long run.
• Better Fuel Efficiency – When your wheels aren’t aligned, your engine has to work harder to move the car forward, burning more fuel. Proper alignment reduces resistance, helping you get more mileage per litre.
• Prevents Costly Repairs – Misaligned wheels put stress on your suspension, steering system, and wheel bearings, leading to expensive fixes. Regular alignment checks help extend the lifespan of these crucial parts.
• Optimised Performance – A well-aligned vehicle runs more efficiently, ensuring all components work in harmony for peak performance.

How Do Wheels Get Out of Alignment?

Wheel alignments can be thrown off by various factors, accordingly, define as follows:

• Hitting potholes or curbs: A significant impact with a pothole or curb can knock the wheels out of alignment.
• Rough road conditions: Constant driving on rough or uneven roads can gradually lead to misalignment over time. For off-road adventures, equipped your vehicle with heavy-duty new tyres with correct wheel alignment, to tackle any challenging terrain.
• Wear and tear: As your vehicle’s suspension and steering components age, they can gradually shift, affecting the tyre alignment. Also, consider purchasing new truck tyres for better performance and safety.
• Accidents or collisions: Any significant collision or accident can disrupt the car wheel alignment, requiring immediate adjustment by wheel alignment services.
• Tyre Blowouts: After the tyre blowout, it is necessary to replace the faulty ones with brand new tyres and immediately book an appointment with wheel alignment services.

Signs Your Car Needs a Wheel Alignment

Spotting the warning signs of incorrect wheel alignments can save you from further damage and expenses. Look out for the following signs of faulty tyre alignment. Consult experienced technicians for wheel alignment services for assistance if you notice these signs:

1. Vehicle pulling to one side: If your vehicle tends to drift or pull to one side, especially when driving on a straight road, it may indicate misaligned wheels.
2. Uneven tyre wear: Inspect your tyres regularly for signs of uneven wear. Excessive wear on the inner or outer edges of the tyre is a common indicator of incorrect tyre alignment.
3. Vibrations or steering wheel off-centre: Misaligned wheels can cause vibrations in the steering wheel or an off-centre steering wheel position, even when driving on a smooth road.
4. Squealing tyres: Squealing tyres is a major sign of faulty tyre alignment. If you notice your tyres squealing, it could be a sign of misalignment. The increased friction between misaligned tyres and the road surface can cause this noise.

How to Do Wheel Alignment? A Step-by-Step Guide

Wheel alignment may seem like a simple service. But it’s actually a precise and technical process that ensures your tyres make proper contact with the road. Here’s a breakdown of how mechanics achieve the perfect alignment:

Step #1: Vehicle Inspection & Setup

Before making any adjustments, a technician inspects your suspension, steering components, and tyres to ensure there are no worn-out parts affecting alignment. Your car is then placed on a specialised wheel alignment machine, where sensors are attached to each wheel to measure angles accurately.

Step #2: Adjusting the Three Key Alignment Angles

To achieve optimal wheel positioning, mechanics fine-tune three critical angles. Camber, Toe, and Caster.

1. Camber: The Tilt of Your Wheels

Camber refers to how much your tyres lean inward or outward when viewed from the front of the car.

• Inward tilt = Negative Camber
• Outward tilt = Positive Camber

Too much inward tilt or too much outward tilt can lead to uneven tyre wear and poor handling. Tyre mechanics carefully adjust the camber to ensure maximum tyre contact with the road. Hence, improving stability and even wear.

2. Toe: The Direction Your Tyres Point

Looking at your tyres from above? Do they point slightly inward (toe-in) or outward (toe-out)?

• If pointing inward, it’s toe-in.
• If pointing outward, it’s toe-out.

Incorrect toe alignment can cause tyres to drag, wear unevenly, and pull the car off course. Properly adjusting the toe ensures straight, smooth driving and reduces rolling resistance, boosting fuel efficiency. A skilled technician will duly adjust the number wheel to correct the toe angles during the car wheel alignment. Thus, providing accurate results.

3. Caster: The Steering Angle That Keeps You in Control

The caster angle refers to the tilt of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle.

• If the steering axis tilts toward the driver, it’s positive caster.
• If the steering axis tilts toward the front of the car, it’s negative caster.

A correct caster angle improves steering stability, helps your car stay straight, and enhances cornering ability. If the caster is off, your car may feel unstable at high speeds or require excessive effort to steer. By adjusting the caster angle, mechanics can enhance your vehicle’s straight-line stability, cornering performance, and overall manoeuvrability.

Step #3: Test Drive & Final Adjustments

Once the alignment angles are set, the technician takes your car for a test drive to ensure everything feels right. If needed, they’ll make fine-tune adjustments for a smooth and controlled driving experience.

While some DIY methods exist, professional wheel alignment services use advanced equipment that provides pinpoint accuracy. Getting your alignment checked regularly prevents tyre wear, enhances fuel efficiency, and improves safety. All of which keep your car running at its best.

How Much Does a Wheel Alignment Cost in Australia?

The cost of wheel alignment can vary depending on several factors. Such as your location, the type of vehicle you have, whether you need a brand-new tyre and the service provider you choose.

On average, a standard wheel alignment can cost anywhere from $50 to $150.

However, it’s always a good idea to check with local auto shops or wheel alignment services for specific pricing in your area.

How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?

It is recommended to have your wheels checked for alignment:

• Every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or once a year as advised by your vehicle manufacturer
• After hitting a pothole or curb
• When installing brand new tyres or suspension components
• If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned earlier

Conclusion: Make Your Wheels Roll Flawlessly

Wheel alignment is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that should not be overlooked. Proper car wheel alignment ensures a smooth ride, improves safety, prolongs the lifespan of brand new tyres and other components, enhances fuel efficiency, and reduces the likelihood of costly mechanical repairs.

Regularly checking and correcting wheel alignments not only benefits your vehicle but also contributes to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. So, don’t underestimate the meaning alignment, and importance of wheel alignment and give your vehicle the attention it deserves.

Hearing squealing tyres? Feeling vibrations in your steering wheel? It might be time for a wheel alignment!

Get Fast & Reliable Wheel Alignment Service at Wangara Tyre Auto Today

From fixing punctured tyres to providing high-quality tyres for sale Perth, we have got you covered. Our skilled technicians are well-equipped to handle any puncture tyre repair Wangara or brand-new tyre replacement.

We’re your go-to tyre service provider in Wangara. Plus, we understand the importance of budget-friendly option. That’s why we offer a wide selection of cheap tyres Perth from leading tyre brands, without any compromise on quality.

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FAQs About Wheel Alignment

Q1. How Long Does Wheel Alignment Take?

Most alignment services will take about an hour, depending on your vehicle situation. If there is any harm or extra wear on the suspension system or parts that need replacement, the alignment might take more time.

Q2. Can You Do a Wheel Alignment Yourself?

While you can check for signs of misalignment yourself using our guide above, it’s often suggested to take your car to a professional technician who has the latest tools and laser alignment to do the adjustment.

Q3. Can Wheel Alignment Affect Steering?

Yes, if your tyres are not properly aligned, it could potentially lead to the steering pulling to the left or right while driving.

Q4. Do Front-Wheel Drive Cars Need Four-Wheel Alignment?

Yes, all four wheels of the vehicle must be accurately aligned, even for front-wheel-drive cars.

Q5. What’s The Difference Between Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing?

Wheel balancing is different from tyre alignment.

• Wheel balancing focuses on making sure the tyre, wheel rim, and valve rotate smoothly on the vehicle without vibrating.

Wheel alignment focuses on the direction of the tyres and the angle of contact on the road.