If your car has started pulling to one side, your steering feels off, or your tyres are wearing down faster than they should, there’s a good chance your vehicle needs a wheel alignment Cranbourne . While often overlooked, this simple service can make a big difference to how your car drives—and how much you spend maintaining it in the long run.
Regular wheel alignment is one of the most cost-effective ways to preserve the safety, handling, and efficiency of your vehicle. It also plays a supporting role in your broader car service and maintenance schedule. Here’s what every car owner should know about why alignment matters and how it helps prevent expensive repairs.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension system—specifically, the angles of the wheels in relation to the road and each other. It's not about adjusting the tyres themselves, but rather the angles at which they make contact with the road surface.
There are three key alignment angles:
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Camber – the inward or outward angle of the tyre when viewed from the front.
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Toe – the direction the tyres point in relation to each other when viewed from above.
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Caster – the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
When these angles are not properly aligned, your car may not handle correctly, and uneven tyre wear can occur.
How Misalignment Happens
Wheel misalignment can happen gradually over time due to normal driving conditions. However, it can also occur suddenly after:
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Hitting potholes or kerbs
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Driving over speed bumps too fast
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Getting into a minor accident
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Suspension or steering system wear
Even slight changes in alignment can affect your car’s performance and safety. That’s why regular checks during your car service are essential.
Signs Your Car Needs a Wheel Alignment
You might not always feel a problem immediately, but some common signs that suggest misalignment include:
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Uneven or rapid tyre wear
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Steering wheel vibration or pulling to one side
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Off-centre steering wheel when driving straight
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Reduced fuel efficiency
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Squealing tyres when turning
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s worth getting an alignment check before the issue worsens.
How Wheel Alignment Prevents Bigger Issues
1. Protects Your Tyres
Misaligned wheels cause uneven tyre wear, reducing their lifespan. Replacing tyres prematurely is costly, and in some cases, avoidable. Regular wheel alignment helps ensure even wear, saving you money and extending the life of your tyres.
2. Improves Vehicle Safety
When your wheels aren’t aligned correctly, your vehicle’s handling is compromised—especially in wet or emergency conditions. Steering may feel loose, or the car may drift across lanes. Proper alignment ensures your car responds predictably, helping you stay in control.
3. Reduces Strain on Suspension and Steering Components
Driving with misaligned wheels can put added pressure on suspension parts, such as ball joints and tie rods. Over time, this leads to premature wear and expensive repairs. By maintaining correct alignment, you reduce unnecessary strain on these components.
4. Enhances Fuel Efficiency
Misalignment causes your tyres to drag or roll inefficiently, meaning your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. This can lead to increased fuel consumption over time. Fixing your alignment helps improve fuel economy and lowers running costs.
How Wheel Alignment Fits Into Your Maintenance Plan
Wheel alignment is typically checked during routine car service or when fitting new tyres. It’s also a recommended part of a logbook service Cranbourne schedule, particularly when the manufacturer specifies suspension or steering checks.
Keeping a well-maintained alignment record is also helpful if you're preparing your vehicle for a roadworthy certificate Cranbourne inspection. Since tyre wear and steering function are key criteria in roadworthy assessments, proper alignment can reduce the chance of inspection failures or last-minute repairs.
How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?
As a general guideline, you should have your alignment checked:
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Every 10,000 km or once a year
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After hitting a large pothole or kerb
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When replacing tyres
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If you notice uneven tyre wear or poor handling
Including alignment in your scheduled logbook service ensures that it’s not forgotten and is done according to your vehicle’s specific requirements.
Book Your Wheel Alignment Today
A properly aligned vehicle is safer to drive, more fuel-efficient, and more affordable to maintain over time. Whether you’re keeping up with routine maintenance, preparing for a roadworthy certificate, or just noticing some irregular tyre wear, timely wheel alignment can save you from much bigger repair costs down the road.
To book your next wheel alignment or full car service Cranbourne, get in touch with Singh’s Tyre & Auto Centre. Our experienced mechanics are here to help you drive smoother, safer, and smarter—every time you hit the road.
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