The importance of correct wheel alignment on Tyre Safety

October marks the arrival of Tyre Safety Month, an annual event created and supported by TyreSafe, a UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of tyre maintenance and the dangers of defective and illegal tyres. Their ACT campaign represents the key aspects of tyres that should be checked before any long journey:

• Air pressure
• Condition
• Tread depth

For garages, it’s also the perfect opportunity to emphasise the critical role that wheel alignment checks play in tyre health and vehicle safety, alongside the other key aspects of tyres to consider. Improper wheel alignment can lead to uneven tyre wear, and uneven tyre wear can significantly affect the safety and stability of a vehicle. Offering these checks can make a significant difference in helping customers drive safely and extend the life of their tyres, particularly as we head into the winter months.

Uneven tyre wear and wheel alignment

Tyres are one of the most critical components of your vehicle, providing the contact point between the car and the road. When tyres are in good condition, they help ensure safe handling, efficient braking, and optimal fuel economy. However, uneven tyre wear can significantly affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, potentially leading to:

Reduced Traction and Grip

Unevenly worn tyres compromise a vehicle’s ability to maintain traction, particularly in adverse conditions like rain, snow, or ice. Poor traction can lead to longer stopping distances, loss of control during sharp turns, and an increased chance of skidding, particularly in bad weather.

Compromised Braking Performance

Tyres with uneven wear patterns may not make full contact with the road, Since braking relies on the friction between the tyres and the road surface, uneven tyre wear can lead to inconsistent or longer braking times, especially during emergency stops.

Handling and Steering Problems

When tyre wear is uneven, it can negatively affect how the vehicle handles and steers. Drivers may notice the car pulling to one side, or the steering wheel may feel off-centre, requiring constant corrections to keep the vehicle straight.

Decreased Vehicle Stability

When tyres wear unevenly, the distribution of weight across the tyre surface is inconsistent, leading to instability, especially when cornering or driving at high speeds.

Proper wheel alignment can not only help improve tyre safety but also prolongs tyre life, increases fuel efficiency, and reduces wear on suspension components.

Straightset are specialists in Wheel Alignment equipment, offering a full range to suit any requirement and budget from manufacturers including Supertracker, Beissbarth, HPA-Faip and Cemb. Contact Straightset for more information or book into our Wheel Alignment Studio to see all the wheel alignment machines in action for yourself.