The Ultimate Wheel Alignments Checklist for Car Owners
Regular wheel alignments are essential for maintaining vehicle safety and ensuring optimal performance. Whether you’re navigating city streets or taking long highway trips across Australia, properly aligned wheels reduce tyre wear, improve fuel efficiency and ensure a smooth driving experience. Ignoring the need for alignment can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns over time.
Recognise the Signs of Misalignment
One of the first steps in maintaining your vehicle’s condition is knowing when something’s not quite right. There are several common signs that your car may have a wheel alignment issue.
If your vehicle pulls to one side when you’re driving straight, that’s a red flag. Another tell-tale sign is uneven tyre wear, especially if one side of your tyre is more worn than the other. You might also notice your steering wheel isn’t centred even though you’re driving in a straight line.
In addition, steering wheel vibrations and squealing tyres during turns are often associated with misalignment. These symptoms, if left unaddressed, can affect handling and increase your risk of an accident. If any of these signs appear, it’s wise to get your alignment checked by a professional mechanic.
Understand What Causes Wheel Misalignment
Several everyday driving situations can lead to misalignment. One of the most common causes is hitting potholes, curbs or road debris. Even a minor jolt from one of these hazards can shift your wheel angles out of alignment. Over time, normal wear and tear on your suspension system can also lead to misalignment as components start to loosen or degrade.
In some cases, alignment issues arise after accidents, even low-impact ones. If you’ve recently had a fender bender or collision, it’s a good idea to include a wheel alignment in your post-accident inspection. Modifying your vehicle, such as installing a lift kit or lowering your suspension, can also throw your alignment out if it’s not properly adjusted during the upgrade.
Do Routine Visual Inspections
While some alignment problems require professional assessment, you can spot a few signs yourself. Begin by checking your tyres regularly for uneven tread wear. If one tyre shows more wear on the inside or outside edges, it may indicate poor alignment. Another thing to observe is your steering wheel position. When driving on a straight, flat road, your steering wheel should remain centred. If it tilts even slightly, something may be off.
You can also take a look at your vehicle’s stance when it’s parked. The car should sit level on all sides. A tilted or lopsided stance could point to suspension or alignment problems. These checks don’t take much time and can help you identify issues before they get worse.
Schedule Professional Wheel Alignments
Although DIY inspections are helpful, professional wheel alignment services are crucial. It’s recommended to have your alignment checked at least once a year, or more frequently if you drive often on rough roads. You should also schedule an alignment check after major impacts, such as hitting a large pothole or curb.
Any time you get new tyres, it’s smart to follow up with a wheel alignment. This ensures your new tyres wear evenly and last longer. Mechanics use specialised equipment to measure and adjust the angles of your wheels, ensuring they’re set according to manufacturer specifications. Regular alignment services not only improve driving performance but also protect your investment in your vehicle.
Know the Key Alignment Angles
Understanding what gets adjusted during an alignment can give you better insight into the service. The three primary angles that technicians check are camber, toe and caster. Camber refers to the tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front. If they tilt too far inward or outward, it can affect tyre wear and stability.
Toe is the angle at which your tyres point relative to the centre of the car. Incorrect toe angles can make the car wander or feel unstable. Caster, on the other hand, relates to the steering pivot point seen from the side. It impacts your car’s ability to return to centre after a turn. All three angles work together to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Why Proper Alignment Is Worth It
Investing in regular wheel alignments offers several long-term benefits. The most obvious is extended tyre life. When tyres wear evenly, they don’t need replacing as often, saving you money. Proper alignment also contributes to improved fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels create extra drag, which forces your engine to work harder and consume more petrol.
Better handling is another key advantage. When your wheels are aligned, your steering responds more accurately, giving you greater control, especially in emergency situations. Lastly, keeping your wheels properly aligned reduces strain on suspension and steering components, preventing expensive mechanical repairs down the track.
DIY Checks Between Services
Even between professional visits, you can take a few simple steps to stay on top of alignment issues. Regularly check your tyre pressure, as uneven inflation can mask or worsen alignment problems. Pay attention to how your car handles during daily driving—if it suddenly starts pulling to one side or feels unstable, it may be time for a check.
Keep an eye on your tyres for visual signs of wear and always listen for unusual noises like squealing during turns. Staying alert can help you catch minor issues before they become major ones.
Maintaining your vehicle’s wheel alignment is one of the easiest ways to ensure safe and efficient driving. By recognising the warning signs, understanding common causes and scheduling regular check-ups, you can keep your car in top condition and save money over time. Proper alignment is not just about tyre wear—it’s a key part of overall vehicle health and driving safety on Australian roads.
