Have you ever noticed your car pulling to one side, or your tyres wearing unevenly? These are often signs that your car may need a wheel alignment. While it might seem like a minor maintenance task, proper alignment plays a major role in your car’s performance, safety, and longevity.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a wheel alignment is, how it works, the benefits of keeping your wheels aligned, and what it typically costs. Whether you’re an experienced driver or just getting started, this article will help you understand why wheel alignment is one service you shouldn’t overlook.

How Can You Tell If Your Car Needs A Wheel Alignment?

A wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension system to ensure your wheels are set to the correct angles. These adjustments help your tyres meet the road properly, keeping your car driving straight, efficient, and stable.

Here are some of the most common signs that your car might be out of alignment:

  • Your car pulls to either the left or the right when you’re driving on a straight road.
  • One side is wearing faster than the other, indicating an uneven or rapid tyre wear. With proper alignment, the tyres should wear evenly across the tread.
  • Your steering wheel is off-centre when you’re driving on a straight line.
  • Misaligned wheels cause vibration or shaking while driving, especially at higher speeds.

Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious problems down the road, including higher fuel consumption, reduced handling, and the need for premature tyre replacement. A quick inspection during regular car maintenance can identify alignment issues early and prevent any significant issues.

How Are Wheel Alignments Done?

Wheel alignment is a precise service performed by trained technicians using specialised equipment. At Ultra Tune, we use advanced alignment machines to measure and adjust your wheel angles with pinpoint accuracy, based on the specifications provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

Three primary alignment angles are checked and adjusted during a service:

Wheel Chamber

Camber refers to the inward or outward angle of the tyre when viewed from the front of the car. If the top of the tyre tilts inward, it’s a negative chamber, and if it’s tilting outwards, it’s a negative chamber.

Improper camber can result in excessive tyre wear on one side, affecting the cornering performance of your car. While some negative camber is common in performance cars for better grip, too much inward tilting is inefficient for daily driving.

Toe Angle

Toe angle adjustment involves the direction your tyres point in relation to each other when viewed from above. If the fronts of the tyres point inward, it’s toe-in. And if they point outwards, it’s considered toe-out.

Incorrect toe settings can cause your tyres to scrub against the road surface, which leads to rapid wear and handling issues. Adjusting the toe angle ensures the tyres roll straight, improving fuel efficiency and overall stability.

Caster Angle

Caster angle is the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. It affects the balance, steering responsiveness and straight-line tracking of your car.

A proper caster angle helps your car stay stable at high speeds and ensures your steering wheel returns to the centre after turning. Misalignment here can make your steering wheel feel heavier or unstable.

How Much Does A Wheel Alignment Cost?

The wheel alignment cost ranges from $80-$150, depending on the car type, number of wheels adjusted (front only or full alignment), and whether additional suspension adjustments are required.

Factors that can influence the price include:

  • The make and model of your car
  • Whether it’s a two-wheel or four-wheel alignment
  • Any existing suspension issues that need attention
  • Local labour rates and workshop equipment

While this might seem like an extra expense, it’s a small price to pay compared to the cost of replacing tyres more frequently or dealing with damage caused by poor handling. Regular alignments can extend the life of your tyres, improve fuel efficiency, and keep your car driving safely.

Booking Your Wheel Alignment Service With Ultra Tune

A proper wheel alignment can make a significant difference and is one of the simplest ways to protect your vehicle and enhance overall driving safety. Whether you’re preparing for a road trip, replacing your tyres, or just keeping up with regular maintenance, don’t overlook your alignment.

When it comes to maintaining your car, Ultra Tune offers expert wheel alignment services across Australia. Our technicians are trained to check and correct all alignment angles, ensuring your car drives properly as it should.

If you’re looking for alignments or a full service, Ultra Tune has you covered. With over 270 service centres across Australia, you can easily find a service centre near you. Book a service today or find your local Ultra Tune centre to help you get back on the road safely.