Wheel Alignment - How Will You Know If Your Wheels Are Misaligned?

The ravages of extreme cold and wet weather in recent winters has left Britain's roads damaged and full of potholes placing great strain on British motorist's cars, specifically their wheels, tyres and suspension.

Everyday driving can therefore cause damage to your car's wheels, tyres, suspension and ultimately its alignment. As a result, it is important to have your car's wheel alignment checked regularly as it will ensure your car is safe to drive and it will save you time and money in the long run. Incorrect wheel alignment can cause premature tyre wear, decreased fuel consumption as a result of increased rolling resistance; and finally places strain on the suspensions system which can be a very costly problem.

So how do you know if your wheels are misaligned? Some of the tell-tale signs to look out for are as follows:

Uneven tyre wear - you may not be able to see the wear but if you run your hands over the tyre you may be able to feel if the rubber has worn on the inside or outside edges.

Your car pulls to the left or right - when driving in a straight flat road you may notice that your car drifts to the left or right under braking.

Crooked steering wheel - when driving straight you will notice that your steering wheel is not straight.

At Kwik Fit we carry out four wheel alignment checks. Traditionally a car's steering and suspension comprised measuring and adjusting the front wheels (front 'Toe' angle) only. However, cars have evolved and are now built for comfort and performance. In order to achieve and maintain a smooth drive the steering and suspension of all four wheels need to be checked and measured.

We recommend that you have your vehicle's alignment checked every year. However, if you knowingly hit a kerb or pothole, or have new tyres or suspension and steering components fitted, you should have your alignment checked at your local Kwik Fit centre.

We have over 350 centres specialising in four wheel alignment across the country. For more information,  contact your local Kwik Fit centre.