What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment (also called tracking) is the adjustment of your vehicle's suspension — the system that connects the car to its wheels. It's not about adjusting the tyres or wheels themselves, but the angles at which they contact the road. Need one now? Book a wheel alignment in Pukekohe from just $89 inc GST.
Not sure if you need alignment or balancing? Read alignment vs balancing explained.
Signs You Need an Alignment
Watch out for these common symptoms:
- The car pulls to one side — If you have to constantly correct the steering to go straight, your alignment is off.
- Uneven tyre wear — If one edge of a tyre is wearing faster than the other, that's a clear sign.
- Steering wheel is off-centre — When driving straight, your steering wheel should be centred.
- Vibration in the steering wheel — This can indicate alignment or balancing issues.
What Causes Misalignment?
Several things can knock your wheels out of alignment:
- Hitting a pothole or kerb
- Worn suspension components
- Minor accidents or bumps
- General wear and tear over time
How Often Should You Get an Alignment?
We recommend getting your alignment checked:
- Every 10,000 km or once a year
- Whenever you fit new tyres
- After any significant impact (pothole, kerb strike)
- If you notice any of the symptoms above
The Cost of Ignoring It
A misaligned car will wear through tyres much faster — potentially cutting tyre life in half. A $60 alignment now can save you hundreds in premature tyre replacements.
At Carter's Tyres Pukekohe, we use modern alignment equipment to get your wheels perfectly set. Book online or call (09) 238 8379.