Why It Is Important
Incorrect alignment can result in rapid irregular tyre wear and can even affect the handling and safety of the
vehicle.
Wheel alignment can be caused by driving against a kerb, hitting a pothole in the road or by excessive wear to
steering or suspension components such as bushes.
Alignment of wheels and tyres to the specification set by your by your vehicle manufacturer is an important way to
guarantee a smooth ride and to get the most life out of your tyres.
The direction and angle at which tyres are set are both important. Wheel alignment or ‘tracking’ involves checking
the direction and angle against vehicle manufacturers’ specifications. These are often described as toe in, toe out,
positive camber or negative camber.
"Toe" refers to whether the front of the tyres are closer or further apart than the rear of the tyres. Different
types of vehicles need different toe settings to allow for the way that wheels pull either towards each other or apart.
"Camber" is the inward or outward tilt of a tyre. The camber is set by the vehicle manufacturer, and can be affected
by potholes in the road and may need to be adjusted periodically.