What is a wheel alignment? Your key questions answered.

‘There are different types of steering systems and John Delany Motors has the expertise to deal with them all’.

At Delany’s, wheel alignment, otherwise known as tracking, is a key part of regular car maintenance. Despite this, we realise there can be confusion and uncertainty as to what it is and how to keep track of it.

We’re asked often if a vehicle in our care needs it, so hopefully by the end of this guide, you’ll be confident with identifying when it’s needed and how to go about booking in.

What is wheel alignment?

Putting it simply, wheel alignment is the process in which your vehicle’s wheels are checked to confirm they are all properly aligned. In particular, it focuses on the direction and precise angle that your wheels are set, to ensure they remain in the correct position.

Due to the nature of the title, we understand why wheel alignment can feel like a minefield. It’s widely assumed the process must be linked to your vehicle’s wheels. However, it’s actually concerned with your vehicle’s suspension and steering.

Wheel alignment checks help ensure that all of the wheels are set at the optimum position and correct angles, as per your car manufacturer’s specifications. This then offsets any potential further problems your vehicle may encounter.

Is wheel alignment the same as wheel balancing?

There are many important questions that relate to your tyres, with this being one of the most frequently asked. Wheel balancing is different from wheel alignment and it’s crucial to know the difference. Wheel balancing is included as part of your tyre fitting at Delany’s, and it comes without an extra charge. Balancing involves weights being added to each wheel, to ensure the wheel is properly balanced, free from shaking or juddering motions. It’s then identifiable if a wheel is out of balance, as the steering wheel or vehicle itself will begin to shake.

Misalignment signs to look out for

Alignment problems can creep up on any vehicle and its owners, especially as the optimum alignment for each make and model of vehicle is set by the manufacturer, in order to influence the performance and handling of that specific vehicle.

As always, prevention is better than cure, so we’ve compiled a list of warning signs for you to be mindful of:

• The vehicle is pulling and steering to one side whilst driving.
• Tyres wearing abnormally/unevenly – checking your tyre tread
• The steering wheel vibrates and/or doesn’t return easily after a turn
• A squealing noise coming from your tyres.
• A suspension or steering part having been replaced.
• Recently driven into a pothole or hit a kerb and notice a difference since this occurred

What is the optimum alignment for my vehicle?

Our use of Hunter HawkEye Elite Technology ensures our technicians use the very latest computerised technology to ensure all components of your vehicle’s alignment (it’s tracking, steering and 4-wheel alignment) is adjusted in line with the manufacturer’s specification. All of which will be undertaken with complete accuracy.

After using high-resolution cameras and precise wheel sensors to produce a 3D image of your vehicle’s current wheel positions and detailed alignment measurements, one of our expert team members will then carry out specific adjustments to set your wheel alignment and steering angle sensor back to your specific vehicle’s manufacturer specifications.

Adjustments we usually tend to make are within the caster, camber and toe alignment of the wheels.

The benefits of regular wheel alignment

As well as avoiding major problematic areas for your vehicle, there are also huge positives to regular alignment maintenance:

• Greater fuel efficiency – misalignment can decrease your mileage by up to 10%!
• A much smoother ride for all passengers
• Fewer future repairs needed.
• Steering is vastly improved.
• Tyres become much more durable and reliable.
• Vehicle’s thrust angle (or thrust line) maintaining a 0-degree angle.

How do I book my wheel alignment with you?

At Delany’s, we’ve made booking your wheel alignment incredibly simple, by being easily accessible to each of you; our valued customers. To discuss your vehicle’s wheel alignment with us, you can either give us a call on 0161 477 6266, or contact us here.

Wheel alignment and much more at Delany’s

At JDM, every one of our team shares a dedicated passion to ensuring every one of your vehicle’s requirements are met and exceeded. We know that wheel alignment is a significant part of your vehicle’s overall health. This is something we will remind every customer of, as part of our duty to keeping you safe on the road throughout every journey you make.

If you feel left with any unanswered questions or have anything you’d like to ask us directly, please feel free to contact us today.