Front Wheel Alignment in Cookstown

Wheel Alignment (or 'wheel tracking') is the process of aligning all four wheels of the car to the manufacturer's specifications, so that the car drives straight and true, has maximum stability, fuel efficiency and minimum tyre wear.

Wheel alignment requires dedicated equipment: a special clamp is attached to each wheel and, with the steering wheel centred, a computer uses the reflections from the clamps to calculate necessary adjustments - for alignment and for camber ('lean' angle of the wheels when viewed front-on) and 'toe in' / 'toe out' (deliberate, slight angling of the wheels inwards when viewed from above, to improve handling and stability.) The garage will give you a print-out of the results.

If your car is pulling to the left or right when driving on a flat road without crosswinds, or if your tyres are wearing unevenly, or if your steering is shaking, you may need wheel alignment. Start by checking your tyre pressures first, though.

Typically, a garage can align your car's wheels and provide you with a printed record of their actions in 30 minutes.

Front-only wheel alignment is available from £25, with 4-wheel alignment a little more. Many garages will include it as part of a Full Service though.