WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Is your wheel tracking alignment off? We'll fix it FAST. Call us!

Are you noticing uneven tyre wear or struggling with vehicle handling? You could be having issues with your wheel alignment (previously known as tracking). Our fully trained specialists are here to help with a comprehensive wheel alignment check - completely free of charge! Make sure your wheel alignment is at optimal performance for a smoother, safer ride.

Book your free Wheel Alignment check

You can also add a free wheel alignment check to your tyre order in the basket.

Search for your nearest centre and phone to book your appointment, or just call in.

Free Wheel Alignment Check

Our free, comprehensive car alignment check is accompanied by the following:

Check tyre pressures, sizes and condition
Check for wheel damage
Check for suspension damage
Check for worn suspension joints
Check wheel bearing play
Check calibration of equipment
Check manufacturer’s data
Check for body distortion / road test
Check radius plates / slip plates
Check ride heights / loading

You won’t pay anything unless we find an issue. We will then provide you with a detailed quote and notify you if any additional issues are discovered relating to the wheel alignment of your car.

For more information on our wheel alignment service, or if you want to book in for a free wheel tracking check, visit your local branch.

Do I need a wheel realignment check?

If your wheel tracking is misaligned, you could notice a change in the handling and safety of your vehicle, which could lead to uneven tyre wear, meaning your car tracking alignment is off.

However, it’s hard to notice any change in wheel tracking - you will almost certainly not detect it through driving alone. A small amount of misalignment (1mm) means your tyre is being forced sideways approximately 1 metre every mile you travel. This is why it is essential to have your car’s wheel alignment regularly checked.

Find out more about our comprehensive FREE wheel alignment check or book an appointment at your local Formula One Autocentre. You can also add a FREE wheel alignment check to your tyre order in the basket.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT FAQs

Why is wheel alignment important?

Incorrect wheel alignment can cause uneven tyre wear and can affect your vehicle’s handling and safety. Wheel alignment issues can be caused by common occurrences like hitting a kerb or pothole, or general wear and tear on the steering or suspension components.

It is critical to have your wheel alignment checked once a year to ensure you get the most out of your tyres.
How often should I check my wheel alignment?
Wheel alignment improves braking distance, fuel efficiency and driving quality. You should have your wheel alignment checked every 10,000 miles and after any work carried out to your suspension, steering, wheels or tyres.

It only takes small impacts such as hitting a kerb or driving over a pothole to offset your wheel alignment. Therefore, you should take advantage of Formula One Autocentres FREE wheel alignment check if you notice any of the following:
- Your tyres are wearing abnormally or unevenly
- Your vehicle pulls to one side when driving
- Your steering wheel remains at an angle when driving in a straight line
- Your steering wheel does not return easily after a turn
Could your wheel be misaligned?
It is recommended that a car’s wheels should have a wheel alignment check once every 10,000 miles or at least once a year, depending on how often the vehicle is driven. Having your car wheel alignment checked at Formula One Autocentres will have many benefits to your overall driving experience and annual expenditure, including:
- Gain a more secure handling and grip of your car by eliminating drifts to the left/right.
- Improve tyre longevity through a reduction of tyre wear and friction.
- Improve fuel economy due to the decreased tyre resistance that results from misaligned tyres.
Is there a difference between wheel alignment, car tracking & wheel balancing?
All three of these serve different purposes which each involve different processes.

Car tracking (or wheel tracking)

The purpose of this is to ensure that the wheels of the vehicle are pointing in the correct direction relative to each other and the vehicle's centreline. This was the term that was used for older cars. On older cars only the front wheels could be adjusted to ensure that they were parallel and the back wheels were fixed. With wheel alignment, all four wheels can be adjusted independently. This process usually involves setting the toe angles (the direction the wheels are pointed, inward or outward) so that the wheels are parallel when the vehicle is in motion.

Wheel alignment

Wheel alignment ensures all four wheels are set to the optimal position as specified by the vehicle's manufacturer. Proper alignment affects the handling, tyre wear, and safety of the vehicle. The process involves adjusting the angles of the wheels, which includes:
- Camber: The angle of the wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Positive camber means the tops of the wheels are tilted outward, and negative camber means they are tilted inward.
- Caster: The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Positive caster means the steering axis tilts toward the driver, and negative caster means it tilts toward the front of the car.
- Toe: The direction the wheels are pointed relative to the centreline of the vehicle.
Wheel balancing

Wheel balancing ensures that the wheel and tyre assembly rotates smoothly at high speeds by distributing the weight evenly around the wheel. The process involves placing the wheel and tyre on a balancing machine to identify any imbalance. Small weights are then attached to the wheel to correct the imbalance. Find out more about wheel balancing or book in for this service at your local Formula One Autocentre.