FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND YOUR CAR

Does your car need alignment? 

Correct wheel alignment is so important that we recommend it is checked every six months or 6,000 miles. With over 40% of cars on UK roads carrying damaged suspension, now is the right time to have yours checked. (Source: AA figures)

Reduce tyre wear and improve handling

Many alignment centres only “do the tracking” – making sure the front wheels are parallel. Modern cars can have all four wheels adjusted, so “doing the tracking” is only half the job. A four wheel alignment inspection will also act as a health check for your car’s suspension, so it should be part of your regular service schedule. A comprehensive four wheel alignment check will reduce tyre wear and improve your car’s handling.

The ADAS Effect

If you have a car with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Control and a many other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) you must have your car regularly 4-wheel aligned to keep them working properly. After a small bump or even a windscreen change, 4-wheel alignment is needed when the repairer re-calibrates the ADAS sensors.

ADAS also includes GPS speed limiters which are compulsory from 2022. These systems rely on sensors built into the fabric of the car. Even a minor bump or a windscreen change can require sensor re-calibration and, because many of these sensors rely on correct rear thrust alignment, a full four wheel check is a vital safety factor. Some manufacturers insist on four wheel alignment when ADAS sensors are changed.