Why Wheel Alignment Is Important
At Shaikly Motor Company, we have invested in the latest 4 wheel alignment technology across both of our branches to help ensure your vehicle remains safe, efficient, and performing as the manufacturer intended.
Wheel alignment is not just about keeping the steering wheel straight. Incorrect wheel geometry can affect tyre wear, handling, fuel economy, braking performance, and the operation of modern driver assistance systems.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension and wheel angles to ensure the wheels are positioned correctly according to manufacturer specifications.
Despite the name, wheel alignment is not simply about adjusting the steering wheel. It involves measuring and adjusting the angles at which the wheels sit in relation to the road and each other.
Modern wheel alignment equipment measures key geometry settings such as:
- Toe
- Camber
- Caster
Even small changes to these angles can affect:
- Tyre wear
- Steering feel
- Vehicle stability
- Braking performance
- Fuel efficiency
Wheel alignment can gradually move out of specification through everyday driving, potholes, kerb impacts, worn suspension components, or following repair work such as replacing suspension parts.
The Benefits Of Correct Wheel Alignment
Improved Safety & Stability
Correct wheel alignment helps the vehicle track straight and respond predictably. It improves stability during braking, cornering, and motorway driving, helping the vehicle behave as intended under different driving conditions.
Even Tyre Wear
Misalignment can cause tyres to scrub against the road surface, leading to uneven or premature wear. In many cases, tyres wear heavily on the inner edges where the damage is not immediately visible.
Correct alignment helps maximise tyre life and promotes even wear across the tyre surface.
Better Fuel Efficiency
When wheel alignment is incorrect, rolling resistance increases. This means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle forward, increasing fuel consumption.
Proper alignment helps reduce unnecessary resistance and improve efficiency.
Correct ADAS Operation
Modern vehicles are increasingly fitted with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking systems.
Many of these systems rely on accurate wheel geometry and steering position data. Wheel alignment is often required following suspension repairs, steering work, or tyre replacement to ensure these systems continue to operate correctly.
What Happens If Wheel Alignment Is Ignored?
Rapid & Uneven Tyre Wear
Incorrect alignment can cause tyres to wear out thousands of miles earlier than expected, increasing running costs and potentially affecting safety.
Vehicle Pulling Or Wandering
A vehicle with incorrect wheel alignment may drift, wander, or pull to one side, particularly at higher speeds.
Reduced Handling & Braking Performance
Wheel geometry directly affects how the tyres contact the road surface. Incorrect settings can reduce grip during braking and cornering, impacting vehicle control.
Increased Running Costs
Premature tyre replacement, reduced fuel economy, and additional strain on steering and suspension components can all increase long term maintenance costs.
ADAS & Steering Calibration Issues
On modern vehicles, incorrect wheel alignment can sometimes contribute to warning lights, steering angle issues, or inaccurate driver assistance system operation.
Why We Have Invested In Advanced Alignment Technology
Modern vehicles require increasingly accurate wheel alignment measurements. Our latest alignment equipment allows us to measure vehicle geometry precisely against manufacturer specifications.
This provides:
- Accurate and repeatable measurements
- Precise adjustment of wheel geometry
- Improved tyre life and vehicle stability
Our technicians are trained to understand modern suspension systems and vehicle dynamics, ensuring alignment is carried out carefully and accurately rather than simply adjusted to centre the steering wheel.
At Shaikly Motor Company, we believe in preventative maintenance, accurate diagnosis, and carrying out repairs correctly the first time.