As a precaution, it is advisable to check the wheel alignment approximately every 30,000 kilometres or once every two years, and in more challenging road conditions even every 15,000–20,000 kilometres.
Apart from this schedule, a check is mandatory after any significant impact with a kerb or a pothole, following suspension repairs, and at the first signs of uneven tyre wear. Seasonal tyre changes at our workshop provide a good opportunity to assess, whilst we’re at it, whether the wheel alignment needs adjusting.
In brief
- A preventative wheel alignment check should be carried out every 30,000 km or once every two years; more frequently in harsher conditions.
- Following a kerb impact, suspension repair or a collision, a check is mandatory, regardless of mileage.
- Uneven tyre tread wear is one of the clearest signs of an alignment problem.
- We combine seasonal tyre changes at our workshop with an assessment of the wheel alignment.
Contents
1. How many kilometres should you have your toe-in checked as a preventative measure?
2. In which situations is a wheel alignment check mandatory rather than optional?
3. How does uneven tread wear indicate a problem with wheel alignment?
4. Why is a tyre change a good time to check the wheel alignment?
5. How does toe-in differ from a full suspension alignment?
6. How do we combine seasonal tyre changes with a toe-in check at our workshop?
7. What happens if we keep putting off the check indefinitely?
How many kilometres should you have your toe-in checked as a precaution?
A preventative wheel alignment check is recommended every 30,000 kilometres or once every two years, whichever comes first. If you frequently drive on city roads full of potholes, in suburbs with poorer road infrastructure, or have a dynamic driving style, it’s worth shortening this interval to 15,000–20,000 kilometres. Regular motorway driving and a calm driving style, on the other hand, allow you to stick to the upper limit of this range without significant risk.
In which situations is a wheel alignment check mandatory rather than optional?
Apart from the preventive maintenance schedule, there are several situations in which a wheel alignment check is no longer an option but a necessity, regardless of when it was last carried out.
- A heavy impact against a kerb or a deep pothole — even without visible damage to the wheel rim.
- Repair or replacement of suspension components – control arms, tie rods, tie rod ends, springs.
- A road collision, even a minor one that has been repaired solely by a panel beater.
- Noticeable pulling of the car to one side whilst driving on a straight, even road.
How does uneven tyre tread wear indicate a problem with wheel alignment?
Uneven tyre tread wear – for example, a noticeably shallower tread depth on the inner or outer edge of the tyre compared to the centre – usually indicates incorrect toe-in or camber settings. This symptom develops gradually, so the driver usually only notices it during a seasonal tyre change, when the wheels are removed and the entire tread surface is visible. The sooner the problem is detected, the lower the risk that the tyre will need to be replaced prematurely, rather than simply having the wheel alignment corrected.
Why is a tyre change a good time to check the wheel alignment?
Changing seasonal tyres is a time when the wheels are already off the car, so assessing the tread wear pattern and carrying out a quick wheel spin test do not require an additional visit to the garage. If, during such a change, we notice uneven wear or the driver reports the car pulling to one side, we can immediately offer to check the toe-in, rather than booking a separate appointment in a few weeks’ time. At our garage, this check is a natural part of the seasonal tyre change, not a separate, additional service that you have to remember to book yourself.
How does toe-in differ from a full wheel alignment?
Wheel toe is just one of the parameters of a full suspension alignment, describing the relative position of the wheels on the same axle in relation to one another, as viewed from above the vehicle. Full wheel alignment also includes the camber angle (the angle of the wheel relative to the ground) and the angles associated with the kingpin axis, which affect the car’s steering precision and handling when cornering. Adjusting the toe-in alone will not resolve a problem caused by an incorrect camber angle; therefore, if symptoms persist, it is worth considering a full alignment check rather than simply adjusting a single parameter.
How do we combine seasonal tyre changes with a toe-in check at our workshop?
During seasonal tyre changes at our garage, we check the condition of the tread for uneven wear and carry out a wheel roll test to detect early signs of a suspension alignment problem before they result in noticeable pulling of the car. Among other things, we specialise in wheel alignment and suspension geometry, so if necessary, the adjustment can be carried out on the same day, without the need to book another appointment. We’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so the time for such a check-up can be tailored to the customer’s schedule, rather than the other way round.
What happens if we put off the check indefinitely?
Putting off a wheel alignment check indefinitely usually results in accelerated, uneven tyre wear, which means you’ll have to replace the entire set of tyres sooner rather than just having the wheel alignment adjusted at a fraction of the cost. Poor toe-in also increases rolling resistance, which leads to higher fuel consumption, although this effect is so gradual that drivers rarely associate it with the wheel alignment. In extreme cases, prolonged misalignment also accelerates the wear and tear of suspension components, such as control arm pins or bushings, which ultimately increases the cost of repairs.
Summary
- A preventive wheel alignment check should be carried out every 30,000 km or once every two years, or more frequently in harsh conditions.
- A check is mandatory after hitting a kerb, having the suspension repaired or following a collision.
- Uneven tyre tread wear and the car pulling to one side are the most common signs of an alignment problem.
- It is worth combining seasonal tyre changes with a wheel alignment check, rather than treating them as separate tasks.