Have you ever noticed your car pulling slightly to one side while driving? It’s easy to brush off as a minor quirk, but what you’re likely experiencing is misaligned wheels. In South Africa, where many beautiful roads await to tempt adventurous drivers off the beaten track, proper wheel alignment is not just a nice-to-have — it’s essential.
Let’s explore what wheel alignment is, why it’s so important, and how you can keep your vehicle running smoothly on local roads.
What is Wheel Alignment Exactly?
Wheel alignment is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that directly impacts your car’s performance and safety. Essentially, wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels so that they meet the manufacturer’s specifications. These angles — camber, caster, and toe — determine how your tyres make contact with the road, which affects everything from handling to tyre wear.
Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of the tyres when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If your tyres are tilting too much in either direction, it can lead to uneven tyre wear. Caster is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle, affecting steering stability. Lastly, toe is the direction the tyres point when viewed from above, and improper toe alignment can cause your vehicle to feel unstable.
The alignment process involves measuring and adjusting these angles to optimise the car’s contact with the road, enhancing both safety and performance.
4 Reasons Why Wheel Alignment is Important
You might think wheel alignment only affects how straight your car drives, but its importance goes far beyond that.
- Extended tyre life. Misaligned wheels can cause your tyres to wear unevenly. For example, if the camber angle is off, one side of the tyre may wear out faster than the other. This means you’ll be replacing tyres more frequently than you should — and we all know how pricey new tyres can be in sunny Mzansi. By maintaining proper alignment, you’ll ensure even tyre wear, extending their lifespan.
- Better handling and safety. When your wheels are correctly aligned, your car’s handling improves significantly. You’ll notice smoother steering and better control, especially on those long trips down the N1 or when navigating busy urban streets in Jozi or the Mother City. Proper alignment helps ensure that your vehicle responds predictably to steering inputs, which is crucial for safety, especially at high speeds.
- Fuel efficiency. A misaligned vehicle increases rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder to move the car. This extra effort translates into higher fuel consumption — and with fuel prices in South Africa being what they are, no one wants that! Keeping your wheels aligned can help you get the most out of each litre.
- Cost savings. In the long run, proper wheel alignment can save you money. Not only will your tyres last longer, but you’ll also avoid more expensive repairs caused by prolonged misalignment. For example, driving with misaligned wheels can put extra strain on your suspension system, leading to costly damage.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs Wheel Alignment
So, how do you know when your car’s wheel alignment is off? Luckily, there are several telltale signs.
Uneven tyre wear. One of the most obvious indicators of poor alignment is uneven tyre wear. If you notice that the inside or outside edges of your tyres are wearing down faster than the rest, it’s time for an alignment check.
Steering wheel off-centre. If your steering wheel is crooked even when driving straight, this could be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment.
Car pulling to one side. Does your car drift to the left or right when you’re driving on a straight road? This is another common sign of misaligned wheels.
Vibration in the steering wheel. Feeling a vibration in your steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, can indicate alignment issues. It’s a sign that your tyres are not making proper contact with the road.
When To Check Your Alignment
It’s a good idea to have your wheel alignment checked regularly as part of your vehicle’s maintenance routine. But there are also specific instances where an alignment check is a must:
- After hitting a pothole or curb. In South Africa, it’s easy to hit a pothole or mount a curb while parking. If this happens, have your alignment checked to avoid further damage.
- When you install new tyres. Installing new tyres is a great time to ensure they’re aligned correctly for optimal performance and longevity.
- After suspension repairs. If you’ve had any work done on your suspension system, it’s essential to get your wheels aligned to ensure everything is working together properly.
The 3-Step Wheel Alignment Process
Getting your wheels aligned is a straightforward process that can make a world of difference in how your car performs.
- Initial inspection. Before any adjustments are made, the mechanic will inspect your tyres and suspension components to make sure everything is in good condition.
- Alignment procedure. Using specialised equipment, the technician will measure the current alignment angles and compare them to the manufacturer’s specifications. They’ll then adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles to get everything back in line.
- Post-service check. Once the alignment is complete, it’s common practice to take the car for a quick test drive to ensure everything feels right. You should notice an immediate improvement in handling and ride quality.
Understanding wheel alignment and maintaining it is one of the easiest ways to keep your vehicle in top shape. Not only does it help with safety and handling, but it can also save you money in the long run. If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned or simply want to ensure your car is running smoothly, consider getting a wheel alignment done.
Check back on the Group1 Cars blog soon for more tips and advice on keeping your car running smoothly on South Africa’s roads!