Correct Wheel Alignment Will Save You Money and Keep you Safe
Welcome to Garden City Garage, where we take pride in keeping motorists in and around Neath safe on the road.
With over 40 years of experience in offering excellent customer service and a high level of expertise, our family-run business is passionate about maintaining your vehicle to a high roadworthy standard.
In this blog, we will focus on the importance of wheel alignment for your safety and the safety of other road users. We will discuss what wheel alignment is, the telltale signs of misaligned wheels, and how correct alignment can save you money on fuel and tyres.
By maintaining correct wheel alignment, you can extend the life of your tyres and other connected components, reduce the risk of accidents, and save money in the long run.
Read on to find out more.
What is wheel alignment?
Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of the angles of the wheels to ensure that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The correct wheel alignment is essential for optimal handling, performance, and safety of your vehicle.
There are two types of wheel alignment: two-wheel alignment and four-wheel alignment.
Two-wheel alignment, also known as front-end alignment, refers to the adjustment of the front wheels only. This type of alignment is generally recommended for vehicles with a solid rear axle, such as trucks and older cars. During a two-wheel alignment, Garden City Garage’s technicians will adjust the camber, caster, and toe-in of the front wheels to ensure they are aligned with the centerline of the vehicle.
Four-wheel alignment, also known as all-wheel alignment, refers to the adjustment of all four wheels. This type of alignment is recommended for vehicles with independent rear suspension, as well as for modern cars and SUVs. During a Garden City Garage four-wheel alignment, our technician will adjust the camber, caster, and toe-in of all four wheels to ensure they are aligned with each other and the centerline of the vehicle.
In summary, two-wheel alignment is an alignment of only the front wheels, while four-wheel alignment aligns all four wheels. The type of alignment your vehicle needs depends on its suspension design and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The reasons why wheels become misaligned
Wheels can become misaligned due to several reasons. One of the most common reasons is driving over potholes or rough roads, which can cause the wheels to become misaligned. Additionally, hitting a curb or being involved in an accident can also lead to misaligned wheels. Over time, the aging of your vehicle’s suspension and steering components can also cause misaligned wheels.
So, if you have experienced any of these issues and are unsure as to whether the alignment of your wheels has been impacted, here are some of the symptoms to look out for.
The tell-tale signs of mis-aligned wheels
There are several tell-tale signs that your wheels may be misaligned. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you bring your vehicle to Garden City Garage for a wheel alignment check:
- Uneven tyre wear: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear. You may notice that the tread on one or more tyres is wearing down faster than the others.
- Vehicle pulling to one side: If your vehicle pulls to one side, even when you are driving on a straight road, this could be a sign that your wheels are misaligned.
- Steering wheel off-center: If your steering wheel is not centered when you are driving straight, this could be a sign of wheel misalignment.
- Vibration in the steering wheel: If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel, particularly at high speeds, this could be a sign of wheel misalignment.
- Squealing tyres: Misaligned wheels can cause the tyres to squeal, particularly when you are making a turn.
- Reduced fuel efficiency: Misaligned wheels can increase the rolling resistance of your tyres, which can cause your vehicle to use more fuel than necessary.
- Difficulty handling the vehicle: Misaligned wheels can make it more difficult to control your vehicle, particularly at high speeds or when making sudden turns.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you have your wheels checked by Garden City Garage. Ignoring wheel misalignment can cause unnecessary tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and even safety issues on the road.
The benefits of correct wheel alignment
The correct wheel alignment offers several benefits, including:
- Improved vehicle handling: Correct wheel alignment helps your vehicle steer and handle better, particularly when taking corners or driving at high speeds. It also provides a smoother and more comfortable ride.
- Longer tyre life: Wheel alignment ensures that your tyres wear evenly and last longer, saving you money on tyre replacement costs.
- Better fuel efficiency: Proper wheel alignment reduces tyre resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle consumes.
- Safer driving: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, leading to handling problems and an increased risk of accidents. Correct wheel alignment helps to ensure that your vehicle handles properly and reduces the risk of accidents on the road.
- Reduced strain on vehicle components: Misaligned wheels can place unnecessary stress on your vehicle’s suspension and steering components, leading to costly repairs. Correct wheel alignment reduces this strain and helps to extend the life of these components.
- Improved driving comfort: With correctly aligned wheels, your vehicle rides smoothly and comfortably, making your driving experience more pleasant and less tiring.
- Cost savings: Proper wheel alignment can save you money on tyre replacements, fuel costs, and other vehicle repairs, resulting in cost savings over time.
Save money with the correct wheel alignment
The amount of money you can save with properly aligned wheels depends on several factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle, your driving habits, and how often you drive. However, studies suggest that misaligned wheels can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 7%. By aligning your wheels correctly, you can improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and save money on fuel costs.
For instance, let’s say you drive 15,000 miles per year in a car that averages 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and the cost of fuel is £5.27 per gallon. If your vehicle is misaligned, you may be losing up to 7% of your fuel efficiency, resulting in additional fuel expenses of around £120 per year. By aligning your wheels correctly, you could save up to £120 per year in fuel costs alone.
In addition to fuel savings, properly aligned wheels can extend the life of your tyres, saving you money on tyre replacements. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, leading to costly tyre replacements that could have been avoided with correct wheel alignment.
Overall, the cost savings associated with correct wheel alignment can be significant over time. By avoiding premature tyre replacements, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing wear and tear on your vehicle, properly aligned wheels can save you hundreds of pounds in repair and maintenance costs over the life of your vehicle.
In summary
Proper wheel alignment is crucial for vehicle safety, handling, and cost savings. Correctly aligned wheels can improve fuel efficiency, extend the life of your tyres, reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, and save you money on repairs and maintenance costs over time.
Don’t wait until you notice symptoms of misaligned wheels – contact Garden City Garage today to schedule a wheel alignment check and ensure your vehicle is safe and efficient on the road.
With over 40 years of experience, our family-run business is committed to providing excellent customer service, value for money pricing, and a high level of expertise to keep you and other road users safe on the road. Call us today and see the difference for yourself!
