Essential Guide to Wheel Alignment: Types, Process, & Solutions Explained

Did you know that improper wheel alignment can cause uneven tyre wear, reduce fuel efficiency, and even make your car harder to handle? Keeping your wheels aligned is not just about smooth driving. It’s about ensuring safety and prolonging the life of your vehicle.

If you’re in search of Wheel Alignment in Perth. This guide by Morley Tyre Centre team will walk you through everything you need to know about wheel alignment. From its importance to the signs that you need a service.

Wheel Alignment Explanation

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures your tyres are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Proper alignment affects how your car handles, impacts tyre wear and improves overall driving performance.

Key Terms in Wheel Alignment

1. Camber: This refers to the tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front of the car. A positive camber means the top of the wheel tilts outward, while a negative camber tilts inward. Incorrect camber can lead to uneven tyre wear.
2. Toe: This measures how much the wheels turn inward or outward when viewed from above. A toe-in means the wheels are closer at the front than at the rear. While a toe-out is the opposite. Poor toe alignment affects handling and stability.
3. Caster: This is the angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A positive caster helps maintain straight-line stability. While a negative caster can make steering feel lighter but less stable.

Signs of Wheel Misalignment

Not sure if you have a wheel alignment problem? Here are the most common symptoms:

• Uneven Tyre Wear: Check your tyres; uneven patterns indicate alignment issues.
• Off-Centre Steering Wheel: The wheel should be centred when driving straight.
• Pulling to One Side: If your car drifts left or right without steering input, it’s a clear sign.
• Vibration or Shaking: Misaligned wheels can cause vibrations, especially at higher speeds.

Types of Wheel Alignment

There are three main types of wheel alignment. Each is designed for different vehicle setups. Knowing which type your vehicle needs is essential for better performance, safety, and tyre health.

1. Front End Alignment

This type of alignment focuses on adjusting the front wheels only. It’s typically done on vehicles with a solid rear axle, where the rear wheels don’t require alignment.

Mechanics adjust the angles of the front wheels (toe, camber, and caster) to make sure they are correctly aligned with the car’s wheel alignment specifications. This ensures the front wheels point in the right direction and sit at the proper angles.

A. What Happens in a Front-End Alignment?

Mechanics check and adjust the toe, camber, and caster angles of the front wheels. The goal is to ensure the front wheels are aligned with the car’s wheel alignment specifications.

B. When Is It Needed?

• If your vehicle pulls to one side while driving.
• If the front tyres wear unevenly or show bald spots on one side.
• After hitting a curb or pothole, which can knock the front wheels out of alignment.

C. Why It Matters:

1. Improves Steering Control: Proper alignment makes steering smoother and more precise.
2. Reduces Front Tyre Wear: Ensures even tyre contact with the road, extending the life of your tyres.
3. Stabilizes the Vehicle: Prevents the car from pulling to one side, making driving safer and more comfortable.

D. Limitations:

Front-end alignment doesn’t address rear wheel issues. Vehicles with independent rear suspensions or misaligned rear wheels will still experience uneven tyre wear or poor handling.

2. Four-Wheel Alignment

Modern vehicles with independent rear suspensions or adjustable rear wheels require a four-wheel alignment. In this process, all four wheels are adjusted to ensure they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road.

Mechanics use specialised tools to measure the angles and adjust both the front and rear wheels according to the manufacturer’s wheel alignment values.

A. What Happens in a Four-Wheel Alignment?

Mechanics measure and adjust the angles of all four wheels to meet the manufacturer’s wheel alignment values. The rear wheels are aligned first, and then the front wheels are adjusted to match.

B. When Is It Needed?

• If the car feels unstable or wobbly, especially during turns.
• If both the front and rear tyres show signs of uneven wear.
• After suspension work or repairs, as these can affect the alignment of all wheels.

C. Why It Matters:

1. Balances Handling: Ensures your car feels stable, especially when cornering or driving at higher speeds.
2. Extends Tyre Life: Prevents uneven wear on rear tyres, which are often overlooked in basic alignments.
3. Improves Fuel Efficiency: Proper alignment reduces rolling resistance, which means your car uses less fuel.

D. Limitations:

If you notice the rear tyres wearing out faster than the front ones. You need a four-wheel alignment. Modern vehicles almost always require this type due to their complex suspension systems.

3. Thrust Alignment

Thrust alignment ensures the rear wheels are perfectly aligned with the front wheels. It is often performed on vehicles with a solid rear axle. In this process, the rear axle is adjusted so that it sits squarely under the car. And then the front wheels are aligned to match.

A. What Happens in a Thrust Alignment?

The rear axle’s position is checked and adjusted to ensure it is square with the vehicle frame. The front wheels are then aligned to match the rear axle. Making sure that all wheels work in harmony.

B. When Is It Needed?

• If your car drifts or feels like it’s “crabbing” (moving slightly sideways while driving straight).
• After repairs to the rear axle or if the rear wheels have sustained damage.
• When uneven rear tyre wear is noticeable.

C. Why It Matters:

1. Improves Handling: Prevents the vehicle from feeling unstable or hard to control.
2. Ensures Straight Tracking: Keeps your car driving straight without veering off to one side.
3. Protects Suspension and Steering: Reduces stress on these systems, enhancing the car’s overall safety and performance.

D. Key Benefit:

If your car feels off-balance after an accident. A thrust alignment can help restore proper tracking and stability.

Which Type of Alignment Do You Need?

Choosing the right type of wheel alignment depends on your car’s design. The issues you’re experiencing and your driving habits. Let’s help you decide.

• Front-End Alignment: Best for older vehicles or those with solid rear axles.
• Four-Wheel Alignment: Essential for modern cars with independent rear suspensions.
• Thrust Alignment: Useful if the rear wheels need to be aligned with the front for better stability.

Understanding these alignment types ensures you can communicate effectively with your mechanic. Choose the right wheel alignment services for your vehicle.

3-Step Professional Wheel Alignment Procedure

Step 1. Initial Check

Before performing a car alignment. The mechanic needs to check a few important parts of your car to make sure everything is in good condition. This helps them know if any repairs are needed before they can align your wheels properly. Here’s what they check.

1. Suspension Parts: The suspension helps support your car’s weight and makes the ride smoother. The mechanic checks for worn-out parts like ball joints, bushings, and tie rods. If these parts are worn or damaged. They mess up the wheel alignment and cause your tyres to wear unevenly. If needed, these parts will be replaced. Before the alignment process.
2. Undercarriage: This is the bottom part of your car. The mechanic looks for anything bent or damaged. Like the frame or control arms. If something is bent. It can affect how the wheels sit, making the alignment incorrect. Fixing these issues first helps ensure the alignment is accurate and the car drives safely.

Step 2. Measuring the Wheel Angles

Modern alignment tools, often computerized, help mechanics measure the exact angles of the wheels. This is critical because even small deviations can impact how your car handles on the road. Mechanics focus on three main angles.

1. Camber: This is the tilt of the wheel when you look at the car from the front. If the top of the wheel is tilted inwards or outwards, it can cause uneven tyre wear. The mechanic will adjust this angle to make sure the tyres are sitting straight and wearing evenly.
2. Toe: This shows if the wheels are pointing straight ahead or if they’re slightly turned inward or outward. When the wheels point the wrong way, the car might pull to one side or the tyres wear out quickly. Proper toe alignment makes sure the car drives straight and helps the tyres last longer.
3. Caster: This angle affects the car’s steering. It’s the tilt of the steering pivot when looking at the car from the side. Proper caster alignment helps the steering feel balanced and stable, making the car easier to control.

The mechanic measures these angles carefully to make sure they meet the car manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures the car drives smoothly and helps your tyres last longer.

Step 3. Making Wheel Adjustments

After measuring, the mechanic will adjust the wheel angles if needed. Here’s how each adjustment is done:

1. Toe Adjustment: If the wheels are turned inward or outward, the mechanic adjusts the tie rods. Tie rods are parts that connect the wheels to the steering system. They will adjust the tie rods. So, the wheels point straight ahead, which helps the car stay stable and reduces tyre wear.
2. Camber Adjustment: If the wheel is tilted too much inward or outward, the mechanic will adjust the suspension mounts to fix the tilt. This ensures the tyres wear evenly and last longer.
3. Caster Adjustment: The mechanic adjusts the position of the control arms. Control arms help connect the wheels to the rest of the car. This helps improve steering control and balance, making the car feel steadier when driving.

How to Read a Wheel Alignment Report

When your mechanic hands you a report, here’s what to look for.

Understanding Specifications

The alignment report includes angular measurements for each wheel. These measurements are important because they show whether each wheel is positioned correctly.

1. Camber: This shows how much the wheels tilt when you look at them from the front. A little tilt is normal, but too much can cause your tyres to wear unevenly. Most cars have a camber range between -1 to +1 degrees. If the camber is outside this range, it may need adjustment.
2. Toe: This checks if the wheels are pointing straight ahead or if they’re turned slightly inward or outward. Toe is measured in either fractions of an inch or degrees. The typical range for toe is 0 to +0.15 degrees. If the wheels aren’t pointing straight, it can cause the car to pull to one side or wear the tyres unevenly.
3. Caster: This is the angle of the steering pivot when you look at the car from the side. The caster helps with steering control. The typical range is +2 to +6 degrees. If the caster is outside this range, the steering might feel unbalanced or hard to control.

Reading Wheel Alignment Values

When you look at the alignment report. You’ll see different colours or zones that tell you how the angles compare to the manufacturer’s recommended settings. Here’s what to look for:

• Green Zones: If the angles are within the wheel alignment values. You’ll see a green zone. This means the wheels are aligned properly and no adjustments are needed.
• Red Zones: If you see any red zones. It means the angles are outside the recommended range. This indicates that the wheels are misaligned, and adjustments are necessary.

Maintenance Tips for Wheel Alignment

When to Check Alignment

• Every 6,000 miles or twice a year.
• After hitting potholes or curbs.
• If you notice symptoms like pulling or uneven tyre wear.

Preventive Measures

• Regular Tyre Rotation: Rotate tyres every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
• Suspension Checks: Ensure components are in good condition.
• Drive Carefully: Avoid rough roads and sudden impacts.

By following these tips. You can prevent frequent wheel alignment problems.

Expert Wheel Alignment Services | Visit Morley Tyre Centre Perth

Proper wheel alignment is essential for safe and efficient driving. It prolongs tyre life, enhances handling, and prevents costly repairs.

If you’re in Perth and notice alignment issues or haven’t checked in a while. It’s time to consider professional wheel alignment services. Visit Morley Tyre Centre Perth for reliable solutions and expert care.

Don’t wait until minor issues turn into major problems. Schedule a wheel alignment check today.

Book Your Wheel Alignment Service

FAQs

1. What are the costs associated with wheel alignment in Australia?

The cost of wheel alignment in Australia varies depending on several factors. Including the type of vehicle, the alignment service required, and the location of the service centre. On average, a standard front-end alignment can range from AUD 50 to AUD 100. While a four-wheel alignment may cost between AUD 80 and AUD 150. Some service centres offer package deals that include tyre rotation or balancing, which provide added value.

2. How does wheel alignment affect fuel efficiency?

Wheel alignment plays a significant role in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. When your wheels are misaligned. It causes increased rolling resistance. Meaning your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle forward. This extra effort leads to a decrease in fuel efficiency, by as much as 10%. Properly aligned wheels ensure that all tyres make the best possible contact with the road surface. Reducing drag and allowing for smoother driving.

3. Can wheel alignment be done at home?

Performing a proper wheel alignment requires specialised tools and expertise that most DIYers do not have access to. Professional alignment involves using laser or computer technology to measure angles accurately and make precise adjustments that are necessary for safe driving. Attempting to align your wheels without the right equipment can lead to further issues and potentially unsafe driving conditions. For best results, it’s recommended to have your wheel alignment done by a qualified technician.

4. Are there specific vehicles that require more frequent alignments?

Certain types of vehicles may require more frequent wheel alignments due to their design or usage patterns. For example:

• Performance Vehicles: Cars designed for high performance often have more sensitive suspension setups that can easily be affected by driving conditions.
• Off-Road Vehicles: Vehicles frequently used off-road are more susceptible to misalignment due to rough terrain and impacts from rocks and bumps.
• Heavy-Duty Trucks: Commercial vehicles carrying heavy loads may experience increased wear on suspension components, necessitating more frequent alignments.
• Lowered or Lifted Vehicles: Modifications that change a vehicle’s height can significantly affect wheel angles and require regular adjustments.

In general, if you frequently drive on rough roads or have made modifications to your vehicle’s suspension system. It’s wise to check your alignment every 10,000 kilometres.