Wheel Alignment – Precision Handling, Maximum Tyre Life
With modern vehicles offering more speed, power, and torque than ever before, precise wheel alignment is essential to ensure optimal handling, safety, and tyre longevity. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, poor fuel efficiency, and dangerous handling issues, especially at high speeds.
At Point-S Pinetown, we use state-of-the-art wheel alignment technology to keep your vehicle tracking straight and true, ensuring maximum performance, safety, and cost savings.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of the wheels so they are perfectly positioned according to the manufacturer’s specifications. These adjustments affect:
🔹 Camber – The inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front.
🔹 Toe – The direction the wheels point relative to each other when viewed from above.
🔹 Caster – The forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side.
Proper alignment ensures that all four wheels work together efficiently, reducing tyre wear and improving stability, especially at high speeds.
When Should You Get Your Wheel Alignment Checked?
🚘 Every 6,000 – 8,000 km, especially on high-performance vehicles
🚘 After hitting potholes, curbs, or road debris
🚘 If your vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight
🚘 If your steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
🚘 After replacing tyres, suspension, or steering components
🚘 If you experience uneven or rapid tyre wear
Signs That Your Wheels Are Out of Alignment
Ignoring misalignment can be costly and dangerous. Watch for these warning signs:
✅ Vehicle Pulling to One Side – If your car drifts left or right when driving on a straight road, your wheels are misaligned.
✅ Uneven or Excessive Tyre Wear – Misalignment causes some tyres to wear faster than others, reducing their lifespan.
✅ Off-Center Steering Wheel – If your steering wheel isn’t straight when driving straight, your alignment is off.
✅ Vibrations or Steering Instability – Misalignment can cause shaking in the steering wheel or overall vehicle instability.
✅ Increased Fuel Consumption – Misaligned wheels create more rolling resistance, making your engine work harder.
The Dangers of Driving with Misaligned Wheels
⚠️ Compromised Handling & Stability – Poor alignment reduces control, especially at high speeds or in wet conditions.
⚠️ Faster, Uneven Tyre Wear – Uneven wear shortens tyre life and increases replacement costs.
⚠️ Longer Braking Distances – Misalignment affects braking efficiency, especially in emergencies.
⚠️ Strain on Suspension & Steering Components – Misalignment causes unnecessary stress on suspension parts, leading to costly repairs.
Tyre Rotation & Alignment – A Perfect Combination
Misaligned wheels can cause one set of tyres to wear faster than others. Pairing regular wheel alignment with tyre rotation ensures even wear and maximum tyre lifespan.
Tyre Rotation Patterns Based on Wheel Setup
1. Vehicles with Uniform Tyre Sizes (Front & Rear)
🔹 Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Move front tyres straight to the rear, and cross the rear tyres to the front.
🔹 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Move rear tyres straight to the front, and cross the front tyres to the rear.
🔹 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) / 4WD: Cross all four tyres diagonally.
2. Vehicles with Different Tyre Sizes on the Front & Rear
Many sports cars and performance vehicles have wider rear tyres. In these cases, tyres cannot be rotated front to back and should be rotated left to right instead.
Not sure which rotation pattern suits your vehicle? Our experts at Point-S Pinetown can help!
Tyre Pressure – Essential for Proper Alignment & Safety
Incorrect tyre pressure can worsen alignment issues and cause irregular wear, poor handling, and increased blowout risk.
The Impact of Incorrect Tyre Pressure
🔹 Underinflated Tyres:
- Increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption
- Cause excessive heat buildup, raising blowout risk
- Reduce handling precision and increase braking distances
🔹 Overinflated Tyres:
- Reduce tyre contact with the road, affecting grip and stability
- Create a harsher ride and cause center tread wear
- Increase risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions
Do NOT rely on petrol station air pumps! These Get Accurate Tyre Pressure Checks from Experts
machines are often inaccurate, leading to over- or underinflated tyres. Instead, visit Point-S Pinetown, where our professionals will ensure your tyres are correctly inflated for maximum safety and performance.
Expert Wheel Alignment at Point-S Pinetown
At Point-S Pinetown, we use advanced digital alignment technology to ensure your wheels are perfectly aligned for optimal handling, tyre wear, and fuel efficiency. Whether you drive a high-performance car, SUV, or daily commuter, we’ll keep your wheels tracking straight for a safer, smoother ride.
