Wheel Alignment
Wheel Alignment Dorking Service Centre, SurreyWheel Alignment Information
Wheel alignment is the process of aligning a vehicle's wheels to within the tolerances of the manufacturer's specifications. Here at Dorking Service Centre, we carry out this process using a highly accurate computer system that can align your vehicles wheels to within seconds and minutes of a degree.
When should your Wheel Alignment be checked?
If you notice that your vehicle pulls significantly to the left or right when you are travelling on a straight, flat road with little cross-wind, or your tyres are wearing abnormally, then your wheel alignment may require adjustment. You should therefore take your vehicle to a reputable garage to have its wheel alignment checked. This is a simple process, which may require slight adjustment of front and/or rear suspension components. If your vehicle’s wheels are not properly aligned, this can cause abnormal wearing of the tyres.
Important point of note…
Wheel alignment isn’t checked on an MOT or Service, so it’s important to have it checked separately, that being said tyre and component wear and/or damage can indicate poor wheel alignment so this may be recommended on an MOT or Service.
Always have your vehicle’s alignment checked when:
- Your vehicle has hit something (e.g. a kerb, pot-hole or major road hazard).
- You notice that your tyres are wearing abnormally or unevenly.
- You experience steering or handling problems, such as:
- Your vehicle pulls or drifts to one side on a flat road.
- Your steering wheel does not return easily after a turn.
- Your steering wheel remains at an angle when driving in a straight line.
- When you buy a new set of tyres and want them to last as long as possible.
- When you replace suspension or steering components.
(Source: Michelin Tyres – Care Guide – Wheel Alignment)
Wheel Alignment Dorking
Why is wheel alignment important?
Wheel alignment can affect the amount of wear and tear that tyres endure. The normal alignment on most vehicles is designed to minimise wear and tear and maximise driver and passenger comfort. Correct four wheel alignment will reduce wear on your tyres, help increase their life and performance, and improve fuel economy. It will also improve handling and driving safety by reducing steering and stability problems. (Source: Michelin Tyres – Care Guide – Wheel Alignment)
Wheel alignment versus wheel balancing?
People often get confused between wheel alignment and wheel balancing. They are completely different. Wheel alignment, or tracking as it’s sometimes called, consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are as specified by your vehicle manufacturer. On the other hand, wheel balancing allows the wheels to spin without causing unnecessary vibration. (Source: Michelin Tyres – Care Guide – Wheel Alignment)
How is it measured?
Wheel Alignment Dorking, Surrey
Camber is the angle of the tyre when viewed from the front of the vehicle.
Caster is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side.
Toe is the extent to which your tyres turn inwards or outwards, when viewed from above.
