Wheel alignment refers to the angles at which your tyres contact the road. Correct alignment ensures all four tyres point in precisely the right direction, minimising rolling resistance and ensuring even tyre wear. Misalignment is most commonly caused by hitting potholes — endemic on Cardiff roads — or kerbs, and can result in tyres wearing dramatically faster on one edge. A vehicle with poor alignment will also consume more fuel due to increased rolling resistance.
Wheel balancing is a separate but related procedure. Every tyre and wheel assembly has slight variations in weight distribution, and when these are not corrected, the wheel vibrates as it rotates at speed. This vibration is typically felt as a shake through the steering wheel at motorway speeds. Unbalanced wheels cause accelerated and uneven tyre wear and put stress on wheel bearings, steering and suspension components.
Whilst Royal Mobile Tyres specialises in tyre fitting and repair, we always advise customers whose tyres are showing uneven wear patterns to have their wheel alignment checked at a garage with alignment equipment. Poor alignment will quickly ruin a brand new set of tyres, so it is worth addressing before — or immediately after — a tyre replacement. We are happy to advise on what wear patterns we observe during a mobile tyre fitting visit.