Front Wheel Alignment

Front Wheel Alignment: Protyre FAQs

Why does my car need front wheel alignment?

Correct wheel alignment, also known as wheel tracking, promotes stable handling and predictable steering in your vehicle.

With badly aligned wheels, your car won't steer correctly. It could also trigger faster or uneven wear on your tyres, which means you'll need to replace them sooner. Wheel alignment not only protects your safety but saves you money on maintenance too.

With all four wheels pointing straight on towards the road ahead, you can drive comfortably and confidently. If they're uneven, your car may pull to one side or show other unwelcome signs, which we've covered in more detail below.

If you've noticed problems with your steering, it could be time to book a van or car front end alignment near you today. Use our booking engine  at the top of the page to get a date sorted for your car. For a four-wheel alignment, please contact us on 0330 818 5201 for a quote.

What happens in a wheel alignment service?

Wheel alignment refers to the way your vehicle’s wheels are facing, as well as the process of ensuring they face the right way. Aligning the wheels is also known as tyre tracking, which is an important part of a full service for your car or van.

The first step involves assessing the angles of the wheels. Your technician will look at:

• Camber: The vertical alignment of the wheels viewed from the front – whether they fold inwards or outwards.
• Caster: The forward or backward angle when the steering system pivots the wheel, assessed from the side view.
• Toe: Looking top-down, the angles the tyres point at inward or outward.
• Thrust angle: The angle the vehicle is ‘aimed’, perpendicular to its rear axle.

With these steps complete, your mechanic will examine the wheel and tyre alignment angles, as recommended by your manufacturer for your vehicle model. After that, they will manipulate the control arms and tie rods, which hold the wheel in place, before connecting it to the steering system.

Which types of wheel alignment service are available?

Front wheel alignments focus on the front wheels and look at caster and toe. These are typically quick to perform and enough to solve common steering issues, given the front wheels are most likely to become misaligned.

Occasionally, your vehicle may require a four-wheel alignment. This extensive check will focus on both the front and rear wheels and look at their camber. Four-wheel alignments are more in-depth fixes and are not generally recommended as part of a service since most issues are solved by a front wheel alignment. However, if your car is well overdue for its next service, this could be necessary.

When do I need a front wheel alignment check ?

While you're out driving, there are several tell-tale signs to watch out for that suggest the wheel alignment on your car needs attention:

• Vibration through the steering wheel
• Feeling as though the car drags or pulls to the side while in motion
• Screeching or rubbing noises when you turn
• Uneven tyre wear, such as feathering, when one side of the tyre is much more worn than the opposite side

If you start to notice any of these issues, contact your local Protyre Autocentre and book a front end alignment service near you.

Why is wheel alignment so important?

Safety

Having the correct wheel alignment is crucial in keeping your car safe and reducing the risk of damage and excessive wear. If your wheel tracking is incorrect, then your vehicle might pull to one side while you drive or turn, and the steering will not be as responsive.

ADAS

These issues can all impede the safe handling of the vehicle, putting you, your passengers, and other road users at risk. What’s more, ADAS (Advanced Driver Systems) and its safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, may also stop working altogether.

Tyre condition

Poor tyre tracking can also result in your tyres becoming worn in areas not designed for wear, such as the shoulder. The tread may also wear down faster, risking an even quicker deterioration to illegal tyre tread.

As your tyres wear more quickly, they need replacing more often. Add to this the strain that incorrectly aligned wheels can put on your steering components and suspension, and your maintenance costs could increase very quickly.

Fuel economy

Lastly, misaligned wheels will increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption too, raising your day-to-day running costs. In extreme cases of misalignment, the wheels can work against each other as one turns and the other stays straight – or turns the opposite way!

If the wheels move like this, more power will be taken from the engine to move the vehicle, which in turn uses more fuel. With sky-high fuel prices, it's important to keep your car running as efficiently as possible.

How much does a front wheel alignment cost?

At Protyre, a front wheel alignment for a car or van costs £43.96, including VAT.

If your vehicle needs four-wheel alignment or the camber requires adjustment, our mechanics will discuss the cost with you after performing their initial tyre tracking assessment.

How long does front wheel alignment take?

Your car's wheel alignment should take around an hour but this may vary.

It might take our mechanics more or less time to align your wheels depending on how severe the misalignment is – and whether you require just the front or a four-wheel alignment. With over 180 Autocentres across the country, it won't take you long to find your local garage and get comfortable. Why not have a hot drink while you wait?

For more information, contact our team on 0330 818 5029.

Why choose Protyre for front and four-wheel alignment?

Since 1972, Protyre has provided specialist car servicing and market-leading tyres. We also offer MOT testing at many of our locations across the UK.

Our mechanics are experts in front wheel alignment and tyre tracking for cars and vans of all makes and models. Our highly trained specialists know how to diagnose common tracking issues and carry out faultless car wheel alignment. So, no matter what vehicle you drive, we can help.

 

Book wheel alignment with Protyre today

Looking for a front wheel alignment near you?

With local Protyre Autocentres up and down the country, you’re sure to have a centre close by. Thanks to our great value rates and same-day service, you can get your vehicle fixed up fast, without worrying about the cost. These are just a few of the reasons why our customers give us 5-star ratings on Trustpilot.

Keen to learn more? Call on 0330 818 5201 to get started.

Buy with confidence: We're IMI-accredited.