Knowing Wheel Alignment and How It Matters for British Drivers

The roads in the UK are pretty bad, with many speed bumps and kerbs. Even skilled drivers might find driving a car rather difficult. Driving can be even more difficult if the car's tyres are damaged or its wheels are out of alignment.

Wheel alignment, also called tracking, is the way a car's wheels are aligned according to the manufacturer's specifications. This implies that the car's wheels are all pointing in the same direction and are perfectly aligned.

How to Check Whether the Car Requires Wheel Alignment

Looking for obvious indications is the simplest way to see if the vehicle requires a wheel alignment. A car with misaligned wheels leans to one side. To maintain the car straight, the driver has to continuously manage the steering. Another indication is the steering wheel's tendency to drift while driving. Driving at rapid speeds also creates a sense of vibration for the driver.

Another sign to look out for is unusual or accelerated wear on the tyres. This means that the inner or outer tyres could be wearing out faster than the rest of the tyre. If you notice these signs, it is advisable to have the alignment checked by an experienced mechanic.

The Real Cost of Ignoring the Car’s Wheel Alignment

Driving a car with a problem in wheel alignment Bristol is not just inconvenient. It also has serious effects on the driver’s wallet and the car's safety. The first step is to look at the tyres closely. They are affected in several ways, starting with accelerated wear. This means you need to replace the tyres more frequently than normal.

Another effect is on the car’s engine. When the wheels are not aligned properly, the engine will have to work harder to ensure the car is moving smoothly. This could result in a number of problems, including reduced car mileage. Most importantly, a wheel alignment problem could result in a serious reduction in the car's safety.

The Hidden Link: How Wheel Alignment Impacts the MOT Pass

This is where wheel alignment becomes so important for every motorist in the UK. Contrary to popular belief, wheel alignment itself is not a direct, measurable component of the MOT test. An MOT inspector does not have a specific pass/fail threshold for the precise angle of the wheels.

However, a vehicle with misaligned wheels can create problems at the annual test. The MOT test thoroughly checks the vehicle’s tyres, steering, and suspension. If misalignment has resulted in uneven or excessive tyre wear, the tyres may be deemed to have inadequate tread depth (below the legal 1.6 mm) or be damaged, resulting in a major fault and an automatic MOT Bristol failure. Tyre-related faults account for a large percentage of MOT failures, many of which can be prevented by proper maintenance.

Conversely, misalignment can lead to instability in the steering system or pulling, which will be recorded by the MOT tester. It can also contribute to the premature wear of suspension parts, such as bushings and track rod ends.

If these components wear out or are damaged from the increased stress, they will be detected during the test and are likely to result in an MOT fail. When the wheels are properly aligned, they directly safeguard the components being tested, greatly increasing the chances of passing the MOT with flying colours.

What to Expect From a Professional Alignment Service

When drivers choose to have their alignment checked, it is a simple process conducted by garages across the UK using sophisticated equipment. There are generally two types of services available:

Front Wheel Alignment: This alignment involves adjusting only the front wheels. It is generally recommended for older vehicles and can take around 30-45 minutes.

Four Wheel Alignment: This alignment costs about £95 and is generally recommended for most modern vehicles. It checks and adjusts the angles of all four wheels to ensure they are properly aligned with each other and with the manufacturer's specifications. This service is more comprehensive and will take 60 minutes or longer.

The technician will then use laser-aligned equipment to measure the current angles of the wheels relative to the ideal angles for the vehicle. They will then make adjustments to areas such as the track rod ends to ensure that the alignment is correct. It is usually a good idea to have the wheel alignment checked at least once a year, or after a major impact such as hitting a large pothole, or when purchasing new tyres.

Conclusion

Wheel alignment is a very important part of vehicle maintenance that all UK motorists need to take seriously. While it is not a direct part of the MOT test, its impact on tyres, steering, and suspension makes it a very important factor in whether the car passes or fails the test. By understanding the signs of misalignment and taking the time to have the alignment checked, you are not only ensuring that the MOT test is a success but also that the tyres last longer.  It provides the much-needed assurance of a safe, comfortable drive on the UK roads.