A wheel alignment will maximise the lifespan and performance of your new tyres.

When buying new tyres, a wheel alignment can feel like an unnecessary added expense. So, why is it important?

Why do new tyres need a wheel alignment?

The purpose of a wheel alignment is to ensure that the direction of your car’s wheels are within the manufacturers’ specifications. All cars have a small degree of adjustment in the suspension that affects which angles the wheels are facing. This doesn’t include regular steering movement.

This is why it’s highly recommended that you have a wheel alignment completed whenever you fit new tyres. It will maximise the life of your new tyres and achieve optimal vehicle performance.

What will a wheel alignment achieve?

Perhaps you noticed that your old tyres were worn unevenly? New tyres alone will not fix that issue. A wheel alignment aims to minimise the amount of wear and tear that your car’s tyres receive. Wheel alignments are considered to be a key maintenance service that can assist in prolonging the lifespan of your tyres.

When you maintain proper wheel alignment it helps to avoid unnecessary wear on your tyres, steering, suspension and brakes. It can also ensure that your car handles better, is safer and smoother to drive and has greater fuel efficiency.

What’s involved in a wheel alignment?

Using precise tools and machinery, a wheel alignment ensures that the wheels on your vehicle are aligned to factory specifications. When the alignment is out by as little as one millimeter from the manufacturer’s recommendations, this can be enough to cause premature wear to your tyres.

At Marks & Wallings, we will measure, analyse and adjust the:

  • Camber, which is the side to side tilt of the wheels when looking from front on
  • Toe, we analyse whether the wheels are pointing in or out, as viewed from above
  • Thrust angles and caster

Our experienced technicians will also take the time to assess for worn or damaged components at the same time.

Vehicle having a wheel alignment performed.

Are there other times where a wheel alignment is needed?

As discussed, having a wheel alignment completed at the time of fitting new tyres ensures that you get the best value out of them. However, wheels typically become unaligned over time. This means that there are other instances where your car may require a wheel alignment.

Keep an eye out for any of the following issues or occurrences with your car:

  • Uneven tread wear
  • Your car feels as though it’s pulling off to the left or right
  • You hit a pothole or curb
  • You notice a vibration through the steering wheel, particularly when travelling at higher speeds

If you experience any of the above, get in touch with us on PHONENUMBER as your car may be in need of a wheel alignment.

Even if you don’t notice any cause for concern, a wheel alignment should generally be performed every time you get your tyres rotated. Tyre rotations are typically scheduled for 10,000km intervals. When you stick to a tyre rotation schedule you’ll be preventing uneven tyre wear and maximise the life of your tyres.

Are you on the market for a new set of tyres? Here at Marks & Wallings we supply and fit a terrific range of tyres to suit all budgets, vehicle makes and models. Our trusted brands include Falken, Pirelli, Michelin and Hifly. Your new tyres will be fitted and a wheel alignment performed by one of our experienced and qualified technicians to ensure that you get the best from your new tyres.