If you’re a regular driver in Swindon, you’re no stranger to navigating potholes and uneven road surfaces. While you might grit your teeth after an unavoidable jolt, the impact can have a lasting effect on your vehicle’s health—specifically, its wheel alignment.
Often overlooked, correct wheel alignment is one of the most important factors in maximising tyre life, improving fuel economy, and ensuring your car handles safely. Here at Save On Tyres, we believe that helping you save money goes beyond just great prices; it includes expert advice that keeps you on the road for longer.
What Exactly is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment, also known as ‘tracking’, refers to the adjustment of your car’s suspension components to ensure the wheels are angled correctly relative to each other and the road. Over time, hitting potholes, bumping kerbs, or even general wear and tear can cause these precise settings to shift out of the manufacturer’s specification.
When your wheels are misaligned, they don’t point perfectly straight. This forces the tyres to constantly drag and scrub sideways as you drive, leading to a host of problems.
Key Signs Your Car Needs an Alignment Check
Your car will often tell you when something is wrong. Look out for these common symptoms:
- Uneven or Rapid Tyre Wear: This is the number one sign. If you notice the inside or outside edges of your tyres are wearing down much faster than the centre, misalignment is the most likely culprit.
- The Car Drifts or Pulls: On a straight, flat road, does your car consistently want to drift to the left or right? You may find yourself constantly making small steering corrections to keep it straight.
- A Crooked Steering Wheel: When you are driving straight ahead, is your steering wheel’s logo off-centre? This is a clear indicator that the alignment is out.
How Correct Alignment Saves You Money and Improves Safety
Investing in a wheel alignment check at our Swindon garage offers significant returns:
- Longer Tyre Life: By ensuring your tyres meet the road squarely, you prevent premature wear and can double the lifespan of your tyres in some cases.
- Better Fuel Efficiency: When your wheels glide smoothly instead of dragging, your engine works less hard, which can improve your MPG.
- Safer Handling: A properly aligned car is more stable, predictable, and responsive, especially in an emergency manoeuvre.
When Should You Get Checked?
We recommend a wheel alignment check whenever you fit new tyres, after a significant impact with a pothole or kerb, or at least once a year as part of your regular vehicle maintenance.
Think your alignment might be off? Don’t wait for your tyres to wear out. Visit us at Save On Tyres LTD, Swindon SN2 2QB for a professional wheel alignment check using the latest equipment. Call us on 01793 420100 to book in!