Making sure your car's wheels are aligned gives your tyres longevity, reduces stress on components and increases your safety. Here's the low-down on alignment...

What Is Wheel Alignment?
The angles of the wheels are adjusted to be perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This ensures minimal wear to your tyres.

Why Is It Essential?
Correctly aligned wheels have a longer life and keep your car's direction true, which means it goes in the direction you want it to! Plus handling is better, fuel economy is kept in check and it contributes to safety.

What Are The Signs That The Alignment Is Out?
* Your car is pulling to one side.
* You're driving straight, but your steering wheel is tilted to one side.
* Your car "wanders" even when you're on a flat, straight road.

When Should You Have It Done?
* When any of the above signs occur.
* After a nasty run-in with a pothole or any other jarring encounter.
* When you have your tyres replaced.

How Often?
Alignment should be checked every 10 000km or every six months, whichever occurs first – unless you've hit a pothole or some other object, in which case it should be done immediately as a precaution.

The Jargon Demystified

Camber: this relates to whether your wheels lean in, lean out or sit straight up in a vertical position. Too much camber will cause a tyre to wear off on the shoulder, and differing camber angles will cause the vehicle to pull to one side.

Toe-in: the front wheels are pigeon-toed (pointing inwards). If they're pointing out, like ballerina's feet, you've got toe-out. Excessive tread wear and unpredictable steering response are symptoms of both.

Tips To Stop Misalignment
Avoid potholes, climbing curbs and parking up against curbs. If you absolutely have to park on the curb, approach it very slowly and at a slight angle.

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