Have you experienced driving your vehicle and feeling pulled towards one side or hearing squealing noises when you take a turn? You may be facing wheel alignment issues. However, you’re not alone in facing them, as it’s one of the most overlooked and common issues UK drivers face with their vehicles. This is further compounded by the state of roads, which are often filled with potholes and suffer from surface deterioration.
Did you know that even a 2 mm wheel misalignment can cause tyres to drag sideways for 24 feet per mile? This can cause a loss of up to 7% of fuel efficiency, which can add up to high costs. Not just that, it also adds strain to your suspension systems, causing tyres to wear out faster. You’ll also notice visible issues with handling your vehicle.
This is not to say that these issues are inevitable. In fact, they’re preventable with a few steps, such as paying attention to early warning signs and getting routine checks done. By simply scheduling a regular wheel alignment check with award-winning garages like In Town Automotive, you can make the most out of proactive maintenance.
However, there are also a few other steps you can take to avoid wheel alignment issues altogether. Let’s explore some of them now
Ignoring the Warning Signs
Wheel alignment issues can sneak up on you, but there are tell-tale signs, which do not happen overnight. If you notice a difference in the way you’re handling your car, or the wheel is unresponsive when you try to steer it, this may indicate an issue with alignment. You’ll notice this more visibly when you’re trying to drive straight but find the wheel is off-centre.
Experts recommend getting a check promptly instead of waiting for your next servicing appointment. This is because neglecting these signs can cause damage to your tyres. Feathering or shoulder wear are common tyre signs that indicate there’s a wheel alignment problem and may require you to replace your tyres prematurely.
Tyre Replacement Alone Won’t Solve Misaligned Wheels
Drivers sometimes mistakenly assume that replacing tyres will solve an alignment issue. However, most fail to understand that worn-out tyres are only reflective of an underlying problem rather than being the problem itself. While tyre replacements are always a good idea if your tyres show signs of wear and tear, consider checking if there’s a wheel alignment issue as well.
Without getting a wheel alignment fix, your new tyre replacements will start wearing out almost immediately, repeating the same cycle. With tyre prices rising considerably due to inflation and ongoing supply chain issues, you’ll want to protect your investment. Consider getting a wheel alignment check done, especially if you notice signs of unusual wear patterns on your tyres before you consider replacing them.
Assuming Wheel Alignment is Done During MOTs or Routine Servicing
Your annual MOT test consists of several comprehensive checks of key car components, but a wheel alignment check is not a part of that. So if you’ve assumed that an MOT test would give you a heads-up on misaligned wheels, you’ll need to reconsider. MOT tests will report on the impact of misaligned wheels, for example, wear and tear on your tyres or checks on your suspension systems and steering.
In rare cases, when you’re probably getting your MOT done from the best place for MOT in Kettering or Northampton, you will get a more thorough check, but generally, routine servicing does not cover wheel alignment checks.
While you can expect visual tyre inspections to be included, a wheel alignment check is a separate service. You can do this once a year or every 12000 miles, whichever comes first, as part of proactive vehicle maintenance. This is important as wheel alignment issues can remain under the radar for quite some time before they become a major safety issue.
Importance of Four-Wheel Alignment
If you want to ensure on-road safety and optimal vehicle performance, consider getting a four-wheel alignment check. Many drivers assume that front wheel alignment is more than sufficient, not realising that it’s pretty ineffective. This is especially the case if the vehicle has an independent rear suspension system or four-wheel drive.
A four-wheel alignment fix provides you with a few benefits, too. Aside from improved steering, handling and fuel efficiency, it also stabilises your vehicle. You’ll also benefit from reduced wear and tear on your tyres while addressing any rear axle issues that could cause your vehicle to move crookedly while driving.
Driving Through Rough Roads
The state of UK roads is an ongoing debate, with leading publications like the RAC suggesting that 3 in 10 drivers have suffered from pothole-related damage over the past 1 year. However, this is also one of the leading causes of wheel alignment issues. This is because when tyres hit potholes, the force of the impact tends to transfer to the wheels, which then impacts the suspension system.
This can also happen if you drive speedily along a rough road or turn a corner sharply. Steering and suspension components absorb the impact of such manoeuvres and cause alignment problems. While you can’t avoid roads altogether, consider getting a wheel alignment check done if you hit a large pothole or drive frequently through damaged roads.
The Importance of Professional Wheel Alignment Services
Following a few common-sense safety rules, like driving at a reasonable speed and being careful while parking or turning a corner, can help minimise mistakes that cause wheel misalignment. However, proactive maintenance also plays a vital role in spotting early warning signs and preventing further damage. Professional wheel alignment checks from reputable garages can go a long way in ensuring optimal vehicle performance and on-road safety.
