Wheel Alignment Checks – The Key to a Safer, Smoother Drive

Have you ever noticed your car pulling to one side, uneven tyre wear, or a shaky steering wheel? This is exactly when wheel alignment checks come into the equation. Poor alignment doesn’t just affect handling—it can lead to premature tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and even safety concerns.

At Elite Garages, we specialise in wheel alignment checks, wheel tracking, wheel balancing, and suspension checks, ensuring your car handles correctly and stays roadworthy. Whether you’re experiencing steering problems or just want to prolong your car’s tyres, our expert technicians are here to help.

What Happens During Wheel Alignment Checks?

A wheel alignment check is essentially a diagnostic process that ensures your wheels are correctly positioned according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This simple but crucial check helps prevent unnecessary tyre wear, steering issues, and handling problems before they become costly repairs. Here’s what a typical wheel alignment entails:

1. Initial Visual Inspection

Before using any equipment, a technician will visually inspect key areas that may affect alignment, including:

• Tyres – Checking for uneven wear, bald patches, or incorrect inflation.
• Suspension System – Inspecting for worn ball joints, tie rods, or bushings.
• Steering Components – Ensuring the steering wheel and linkages are in good condition.

2. Digital Wheel Alignment Measurement

Using laser or 3D imaging technology, the technician will scan the car’s wheel positioning, checking:

• Toe Angle – The inward or outward direction of the tyres when viewed from above.
• Camber Angle – The tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front.
• Caster Angle – The angle of the steering axis, which affects stability.

If any of these angles fall outside the manufacturer’s guidelines, your car’s alignment may need some adjustment.

3. Adjustment Recommendations

If wheel misalignment is detected, the technician may suggest wheel tracking adjustments or a full wheel alignment to restore optimal positioning.

Wheel Tracking vs. Wheel Alignment Checks – What’s the Difference?

Many drivers use wheel tracking and wheel alignment checks interchangeably, but there’s a difference.

• Wheel tracking refers specifically to the adjustment of the front wheels, ensuring they are aligned correctly in relation to each other and the car’s chassis.
• Full wheel alignment checks include adjustments to the camber, caster, and toe angles, affecting all four wheels and ensuring optimal driving performance.

Regular wheel tracking and alignment checks are essential for keeping your car stable and reducing tyre wear. At Elite Garages, our state-of-the-art alignment equipment ensures precision diagnostics every time. In addition to this, Elite is also in the process of installing ADAS calibration equipment at several branches.

Wheel Balancing – Why It’s Just as Important

Unlike wheel alignment checks, which focus on wheel angles, wheel balancing ensures that the weight of your wheel and tyre is evenly distributed. Unbalanced wheels can cause:

• Vibrations in the steering wheel, floor, or seats
• Uneven tyre wear, leading to costly replacements
• Strain on suspension components, affecting handling and ride comfort

Whenever you get new tyres or notice vibrations at certain speeds, it’s important to get your wheels balanced to ensure an overall smoother ride.

Suspension and Wheel Alignment Checks – The Backbone of Your Car’s Stability

Your car’s suspension system is essential for providing comfort, stability, and optimal road grip. When the suspension is faulty, it not only leads to a rough, uncomfortable ride but also impacts critical aspects like alignment, tyre wear, and braking performance.

Signs You Need a Suspension Check:

• Excessive bouncing after hitting bumps
• Knocking noises when driving over uneven surfaces
• Steering feels loose or unresponsive
• One side of the car sits lower than the other

Recommended: How Do I Know If I Need 2 or 4 Wheel Alignment?

When Do We Need Wheel Alignment Checks?

You don’t need to wait for handling problems to get your wheel alignment checked. Here are common signs your car may need an adjustment from experts like Elite Garages:

• Your car drifts to one side when driving straight
• The steering wheel isn’t centred, even on a flat road
• Uneven tyre wear is noticeable across your tyres
• Vibrations in the steering wheel at higher speeds
• You’ve recently hit a pothole, curb, or had suspension work done

How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment Check?

Experts recommend having a wheel alignment check:

• Every 6,000 miles or at least once a year
• After hitting a pothole or curb
• When fitting new tyres to ensure even wear
• If you experience unusual tyre wear patterns or handling changes

The Dangers of Driving on Worn Tyres & The Role of Wheel Alignment Checks

Driving on worn tyres is not just a risk to your vehicle—it’s a major safety hazard that affects your control, braking efficiency, and overall roadworthiness. Tyres with low tread depth struggle to grip the road, especially in wet or icy conditions, increasing stopping distances and the likelihood of skidding.

What Makes Worn Tyres Dangerous?

• Reduced Grip on Wet Roads – The legal tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but anything below 3mm significantly affects stopping distance and handling. Worn tyres increase the risk of aquaplaning, where the tyres lose contact with the road surface, causing a loss of control.
• Longer Braking Distances – A car with worn tyres will take much longer to stop, especially in emergency braking situations, putting you and others at greater risk.
• Increased Blowout Risk – Tyres that are excessively worn or have visible damage (such as cracks, bulges, or exposed wires) are more likely to suffer a dangerous blowout, particularly at high speeds.
• MOT Failure – If your tyres do not meet legal tread requirements, your vehicle will fail its MOT test, meaning you’ll need new tyres before getting back on the road legally.

Recommended: Car MOT Insider Tips: How ro Ace the Test First Time

How Wheel Alignment Checks Prevent Tyre Wear

Misaligned wheels cause uneven tyre wear, reducing the lifespan of your tyres and making them unsafe to drive on. Wheel alignment checks help ensure your tyres wear evenly, maximising their longevity and performance.

• Even Tread Wear – Proper wheel alignment ensures tyres wear uniformly, reducing the need for premature replacements.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency – Misaligned wheels create rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and increasing fuel consumption. Correct alignment optimises your car’s performance and economy.
• Better Handling & Safety – Well-aligned wheels provide stable steering, better grip, and a smoother ride, reducing the chances of losing control in wet or slippery conditions.
• Cost Savings – Regular wheel alignment checks can help you avoid replacing tyres too soon, saving you money in the long run.

Ignoring worn tyres can lead to serious consequences on the road. If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres, book a wheel alignment service and free tyre safety check at Elite Garages today to drive with confidence and peace of mind

The Cost of Wheel Alignment Checks in the UK

The cost of wheel alignment checks varies depending on your vehicle and whether you require a front-wheel check or full four-wheel alignment.

• Front-wheel alignment checks: Typically cost between £35-£60*.
• Four-wheel alignment checks: Ranges from £60-£120*, depending on the vehicle type and adjustments needed.

* For more accurate information on the price of wheel alignment, please contact your nearest Elite Garages branch.

Why Choose Elite Garages for Your Wheel Alignment Checks & Suspension Needs?

If you’re looking for expert wheel alignment checks, wheel tracking, wheel balancing, or suspension checks, here’s why Elite Garages should be your first choice:

• Highly Trained Technicians – Specialists in precision alignment and suspension diagnostics.
• Advanced Equipment – Cutting-edge laser alignment for pinpoint accuracy.
• Competitive Pricing – Affordable solutions without compromising quality.
• Convenient Locations – Multiple garages across the UK for easy access.
• Additional Car Services – From tyres and MOTs to full car servicing, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts – Keep Your Car Safe & Efficient

A well-aligned vehicle isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, cost savings, and performance. By keeping up with wheel alignment checks, balancing, tracking, and suspension checks, you can ensure:

• Longer-lasting tyres
• A smoother, more efficient drive
• Better handling and stability
• Lower maintenance costs over time

Don’t wait until your tyres are worn or your steering feels off—book regular wheel alignment checks with Elite Garages for added peace of mind.

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