A wheel alignment (also known as ‘tracking’) consists of readjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other and this is done by adjusting the track rods or tracking pin. The purpose of this adjustment is to ensure that the vehicle travels in a straight trajectory.
Proper wheel alignment also helps your tyres last longer. When your wheels are out of alignment, your tyres will wear down unevenly, which can sometimes lead to a blowout.
How much does it cost to do wheel alignment?
The average cost of doing a wheel alignment or ‘tracking’ start from around £40 for front or rear wheel standard alignment, and for both front and rear alignment, the average cost is £80. In some cases, you may also require wheel balancing which should cost between £5-£10 per wheel especially when fitting new tyres. The exact price of a wheel alignment will depend on the location of the vehicle due to local labour charges and also any other associated issues that need to be addressed such as wheel balancing.
For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of wheel alignment.
To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a wheel alignment, we use real-time data from thousands of car makers and model data, local labour prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a wheel alignment for your car.
How do you know you need a wheel alignment?
Since there is no dashboard warning light to warn you when the wheel alignment is off, these are some of the signs to look out for that point out to a wheel alignment issue with the vehicle.
- Vehicle veering or pulling in one direction
- Off-centre steering wheel
- Tyres are wearing out unevenly
- Steering wheel vibration
- Difficulty handling the vehicle
- Reduced fuel efficiency
Vehicle veering to one side
Vehicles that pull in one direction when driven have wheel alignment that is not within specifications and will need to be fixed with a wheel alignment adjustment. Sometimes it can also be an indication of an under-inflated tyre(s) or a brake sticking on.
Steering wheel not centered
If you notice that your steering wheel is not centered when you are driving straight and can feel vibrations, this can be a tell-tale sign of misaligned wheels. One way to check this is by checked that the car logo on the steering wheel is centred.
Uneven tyre wear
The most common cause of uneven tyre wear is incorrect wheel alignment. This can cause the tread to wear down prematurely, and you may notice that one side of the tread is more worn than the other.
Frequently asked questions about wheel alignment cost
How long does a wheel alignment take?
It takes about 45 minutes to one hour to complete a wheel alignment. Depending on the vehicle type, its condition, and if other steering components need to be fixed, it can sometimes take upto 2 hours to complete.
Does my car need 2 or 4-wheel alignment?
If the vehicle is a four-wheel drive, then it will typically need a 4 wheel alignment. In a 2-wheel alignment, only the front wheels of the vehicle are aligned. This procedure is also known as a front-end alignment. It is possible for some vehicles to have a solid rear axle that does not need adjustment.
Is wheel alignment and wheel balancing the same?
No, they are two different jobs entirely. Wheel balancing involves adjusting the weights of the wheels so that they are evenly balanced and this is usually done when new tyres are fitted. This is because a tyre is made up of multiple layers, during the manufacturing process some layers will overlap slightly meaning the tyre is slightly heavier in one spot. Wheel balancing detects which spots are heavier and a counterweight is then placed opposite. This prevents any noticeable wobble or vibrations when driving.
Can I carry out wheel alignment myself?
Carrying out a wheel alignment job on a vehicle is generally done in a professional garage. Special equipment such as alignment machines, turntables, and computerised alignment tools are required for this job. Wheel alignment is a complex process that involves adjusting various components, including the camber, caster, and toe angles.
What else could be the problem if wheel alignment is not the issue?
If you’re experiencing issues with your steering and you’ve determined that wheel alignment is not the issue then it could be one or more of the following:
- Suspension system - worn or damaged suspension components can lead to poor handling, uneven tire wear, and other alignment-like symptoms
- Unbalanced tyres - tyre balance issues can cause vibration, uneven wear, and handling problems
- Worn out tie roads and track rod end ball joints can cause steering and handling difficulties
- Uneven brake pads, warped discs or binding brakes can cause the vehicle to pull to one side, a symptom very similar to wheel alignment issues
What happens during wheel alignment?
- Mechanic will measure current alignment
- Mechanic will determine necessary adjustments
- The technician will adjust the toe angle (direction in which the wheels point ) to bring the wheels into the correct alignment
- The technician will ensure that the vehicle's ride height is within specifications
- Mechanic will carry out a test drive to ensure everything is working as it should
