What is a wheel alignment and why do I need it?

Wheel alignment is a very important, but often neglected part of regularly servicing your vehicle.

Correctly aligned wheels will mean your car handles properly, drives straight without pulling to one side, and improves the lifespan of your tyres.

Despite the name, a wheel alignment is a process undertaken to measure and set your car’s steering and suspension geometry to align the wheels correctly.

Tyre specialists can determine exactly how much adjustment is required and it’s recommended that a wheel alignment be performed every 10,000km or any time you experience a change in driving or handling of your vehicle.

Why do I need a wheel alignment?

General wear and tear, as well as events such as hitting potholes or kerbs, or driving on uneven surfaces can cause wheels to come out of alignment and the negative effects include compromised handling of your car, excessive or uneven tyre wear, reduced stability, and an increase in fuel consumption.

While tyre wear and an increase in fuel consumption are a drain on your wallet, more importantly, tyre wear and imperfect handling constitute a safety issue and cannot be ignored.

For a more in-depth look at wheel alignments, check out AutoGuru’s All You Need To Know page.

If you’re in need of a wheel alignment, head over to AutoGuru and get yourself booked in ASAP!