Vehicle Alignment

How important is alignment for longer tyre life?

A quality alignment is mandatory for even tread wear and proper handling. Front and rear tyres should be checked periodically for signs of uneven wear. A change in handling or steering feel can indicate that an alignment is needed. The moderate cost of a four-wheel alignment can more than pay for itself in tyre mileage, performance and comfort.

Just what is alignment, anyway?

A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound, and when the tyre and wheel assemblies are geometrically set to run straight and true.

Automotive suspension systems involve moving parts so wear of steering and suspension components is normal and is expected. As these components wear, however, alignment changes and has to be adjusted to bring the settings back into the specification range.

Alignment is also sensitive to ride height. As the springs get old and sag or bushings deform over time, the vehicle rides lower and misalignment occurs. This changes the load distribution across the tyre and affects the rate of tread wear (i.e., a heavily loaded area will wear more quickly than a lightly loaded area.)