What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment (also called tracking) is the process of adjusting your car's suspension so that all four wheels point in exactly the right direction relative to each other and the road. It has nothing to do with the wheels themselves — it's about the angles of the suspension components.
Even a small misalignment causes your tyres to scrub sideways as you drive, wearing them unevenly and wasting fuel. It can also make your steering feel off — pulling left or right, or requiring constant correction to drive in a straight line.
Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment
- Your car pulls to one side when you let go of the steering wheel
- The steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight
- Your tyres are wearing unevenly — one edge wears much faster than the other
- The steering feels loose or imprecise
- You've recently hit a pothole, kerb or speed bump hard
- You've just had new tyres or suspension work done
Our Wheel Alignment Process
We use laser alignment equipment to measure and correct your wheel angles to the manufacturer's exact specifications. The process typically takes around 30–45 minutes and covers:
- Camber — the vertical tilt of the wheel
- Toe — whether wheels point inward or outward (most common adjustment)
- Caster — the steering pivot angle (affects straight-line stability)
2-Wheel vs 4-Wheel Alignment — Which Do I Need?
2-wheel alignment (front axle only) suits most standard front-wheel-drive cars and is the most common type. It corrects toe and camber on the front wheels, which handles the majority of steering and wear issues.
4-wheel alignment is needed for all-wheel-drive vehicles, rear-wheel-drive cars, and any car where the rear axle is also adjustable. It ensures all four wheels are precisely parallel to each other. If you're unsure which applies to your car, we'll check and advise before starting.
How Long Does Wheel Alignment Last?
Under normal driving conditions, alignment can last 1–2 years before needing a recheck. However, it should also be checked after any of the following events:
- Hitting a pothole, kerb or speed bump hard
- Having new tyres fitted
- Suspension, steering or wheel bearing work
- A minor collision, even at low speed
- Noticing any pulling or uneven tyre wear
Will Wheel Alignment Save Me Money on Tyres?
Yes — significantly. A misaligned wheel can wear through a tyre in half the normal lifespan because the rubber scrubs sideways with every rotation. Correcting alignment typically adds tens of thousands of miles to tyre life, making a £40 alignment check one of the best-value services you can book.
Why Book Wheel Alignment at Salek?
We check alignment after every tyre fit as standard — because fitting a new tyre to a misaligned wheel is a waste of money. If we spot an issue, we'll show you the readings and explain exactly what needs correcting before we do any work.
Prices start from £40 for 2-wheel alignment and £65 for 4-wheel, depending on your vehicle. Call us on 07341 216705 for a quick quote.
Serving Ashford, Feltham, Staines & the Surrounding Area
We're based at 32–34 Feltham Road, Ashford TW15 1DH — easy to reach from Feltham (TW13), Staines-upon-Thames (TW18), Sunbury-on-Thames (TW16), Bedfont (TW14), Stanwell (TW19) and Shepperton (TW17). Free parking on site.