Wheel alignment and tracking
Wheel Alignment in Reading
Car pulling to one side, or the steering wheel not quite straight? We check and adjust your wheel alignment at our Reading workshop, to your manufacturer’s specifications for your make and model.
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- At our Reading workshop Where the alignment machine is
- Manufacturer’s specifications Set for your make and model
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Wheel alignment Reading
Wheel Alignment Reading
Some signs that your car needs its wheels aligning may not seem dangerous, but if you suspect a problem it’s good practice to have it looked at sooner rather than later.
As with any car problem, leaving it can have a knock-on effect, putting extra work and strain on other components, and that can cost a lot more to fix in the long run.
Misaligned wheels cause uneven tyre wear, and with tyre prices only going one way, it makes sense to make your tyres last as long as possible.
If your car has a noticeable veer, it’s also a danger to you and other road users. It’s very easy to be distracted for a moment while driving and find the car has drifted much further than you expected, too late to correct it.
Know the signs
Signs You Need Wheel Alignment
Any of these suggests your tracking may be out.
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Pulling to the left or right
The most obvious sign. On a straight road, if you let the steering wheel hold its own line and the car drifts to one side, the alignment is likely out.
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Steering wheel off-centre
If you have to hold the wheel turned just to keep straight, or the steering wheel isn’t straight when the wheels are, there’s a problem.
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Uneven tyre wear
If your tyres are wearing unevenly even though you’ve kept the pressures right, that points to misalignment.
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Shaking on a smooth road
A steering wheel that shakes, or a whole car that shakes on a smooth road, can also mean your wheels need realigning.
A veer to one side can also be caused by a deflated tyre, so please check your tyre pressures before getting in touch.
Why it matters
Why Wheel Alignment Matters
As well as the risks while driving, misalignment brings mechanical risks, and tyre wear is one of the main ones. Aside from the cost of replacing worn tyres early, the tread plays an important part in how your car performs on the road, and uneven wear can affect stopping distances.
It can also affect your fuel efficiency and your braking, especially on cars with ABS. If you’re worried about how your car stops, have your brakes checked too.
Wheel alignment, sometimes called wheel tracking, should be set to the alignment figures your car’s manufacturer recommends for its make and model. We always carry out wheel alignment to your manufacturer’s specifications, so your car performs as it should.
At our workshop
Wheel Alignment at Our Reading Workshop
Wheel alignment is one job we can’t do at your home or work. The alignment machine is a heavy piece of equipment that isn’t readily portable, so we’ll need your car at our Reading workshop to sort out the problem.
To book, call us or send your registration through our contact form and we’ll arrange a time. If your car is also due a car service, mention it and we can look at both.
The three adjustments
Camber, Caster and Toe
To set the wheel position properly, we adjust three angles.
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Toe
Whether the wheels point slightly in or out when seen from above. It affects how the car handles, how the steering responds and whether the steering wheel sits centrally.
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Caster
The forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when seen from the side. It helps the steering self-centre and keeps the car stable in a straight line.
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Camber
The tilt of the wheel when seen from the front. If the top of the wheel leans slightly inwards it’s negative camber, and outwards it’s positive. In Formula 1, slight negative camber helps grip when cornering at high speed.
Free quotes
Car Pulling to One Side?
Call us or send an enquiry with your registration, and we’ll book your car in for wheel alignment at our Reading workshop. We’re open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Wheel Alignment Questions
What causes wheel alignment problems?
There are three main causes of wheel misalignment.
The first and most common is a hard impact, such as hitting a pothole or a kerb, or taking a speed bump too quickly, which puts extra strain on the wheel and axle.
Another is general wear and tear in the suspension: if the shocks or struts are a little loose, the wheels can go out of alignment. This one is tricky to spot, because the change in the steering can be subtle and gradual.
The third is a modification to the vehicle’s suspension.
How do I know I need wheel alignment?
The two main signs that your tracking is out are the car pulling to one side, and the steering wheel not being perfectly straight when you’re driving in a straight line. Deep potholes that jolt the car are the most common cause, and driving harshly over speed bumps can do it too.
Left alone, misalignment makes your tyres wear unevenly and affects your fuel efficiency, both of which cost you money. More importantly, it can affect braking, especially with ABS, so it’s best to have your wheels aligned as soon as you notice either sign.
Should I check my tyre pressures first?
Yes. A deflated tyre can also make a car veer to one side, so check all your tyre pressures before getting in touch. It’s good practice anyway: correct pressures help your car run efficiently and stop your tyres wearing early.
If your tyres are wearing unevenly even though you’ve kept on top of the pressures, that points to a misalignment.
Can you align my wheels at home or work?
No. Unlike most of our work, wheel alignment needs the alignment machine at our Reading workshop, which is too heavy to be readily portable. Get in touch and we’ll arrange a time for your car to come in.
Do you fit tyres?
No, we don’t offer a mobile tyre fitting service. If you’ve had new tyres fitted elsewhere and the car pulls or the steering wheel is off-centre, we can check and set the wheel alignment for you.
Related services
Related Services
Other work that keeps your car safe and driving straight.
We cover Reading and nearby areas including Caversham, Earley, Shinfield, Tilehurst and Woodley. Not sure if we reach you? Call 0118 338 5138.