So your car's pulling a bit to the left. Or maybe you noticed your steering wheel sits at two o'clock when you're driving straight. You're probably wondering two things: "How long is this going to take?" and "Is this really worth the money?"
I've been fixing cars for twenty years, and I've heard every version of this question. People worry they'll be stuck at the garage all day, or that it's just another way for mechanics to make easy money.
Well, let me give you the straight truth - no garage jargon, no sales pitch. Just the facts from someone who's done thousands of these jobs.
The Time Question: Here's What Really Happens
Let's get straight to the point. A proper wheel alignment takes us about an hour in the workshop. Sometimes a bit less for a simple two-wheel alignment, sometimes a bit more if your car's particularly fussy or we find other issues.
But here's what that hour looks like from your perspective:
You drop the car off, maybe grab a coffee down the road, and by the time you're finished browsing your phone, we're calling to say it's done. I've had customers who were genuinely surprised when we called them back sooner than expected.
The actual process is pretty interesting if you've never seen it. We drive your car onto a special platform and attach sensitive sensors to each wheel. These connect to a computer that shows us exactly how your wheels are sitting - to the tenth of a degree. Then we make tiny adjustments until everything lines up perfectly with the manufacturer's specifications.
It's not guesswork. It's not just "making the steering wheel straight." It's precision engineering that makes your car drive the way it was designed to.
The Real Cost Isn't What You Pay - It's What You Save
Now, let's talk about the "is it worth it" question. I want you to think about this differently.
When you pay for a wheel alignment, you're not spending money - you're actually saving it in three big ways:
First, you're saving your tyres.
I can't tell you how many times I've seen people come in with tyres that are completely bald on one edge but still have plenty of tread everywhere else. That's what happens when your wheels are out of alignment - they're scrubbing against the road instead of rolling smoothly.
Think about it: a set of decent tyres will cost you £300-£400. A wheel alignment costs a fraction of that. Which would you rather pay?
Second, you're saving on fuel.
When your wheels are fighting each other, your engine has to work harder. That means more trips to the petrol station and more money out of your pocket. A proper alignment reduces rolling resistance, which means better fuel economy. In today's world, every little bit helps.
Third, and most importantly, you're saving your safety.
I remember one customer - let's call him Dave. Dave had been putting off his alignment for months. "It's just a slight pull," he told me. Then one rainy night, he had to swerve to avoid a deer. His car didn't respond the way it should have, and he ended up in a ditch.
Thankfully, he was okay. But when we looked at his car afterwards, the alignment was so far out it was scary. A simple wheel alignment might have prevented that whole incident.
The Signs You Can't Ignore
So how do you know when you need one? Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:
- 1. Your car pulls consistently to one side, even on a flat road
- 2. Your steering wheel is off-centre when you're driving straight
- 3. You notice unusual tyre wear - especially if one edge is wearing faster than the rest
- 4. The steering feels loose or doesn't return to centre properly after a turn
- 5. You recently hit a massive pothole or kerbed the wheel hard
Any of these mean it's time to get things checked. And yes, even that "slight pull" you've been ignoring is worth looking at.
What Most People Don't Know About Wheel Alignment
Here's something that surprises a lot of my customers: your wheels can be out of alignment even if your car drives perfectly straight.
How? Because we're adjusting three different angles:
- 1. Camber (that's the inward or outward tilt of the wheel)
- 2. Toe (whether the wheels point slightly inward or outward)
- 3. Caster (the steering axis angle)
These can be out of spec in ways that cancel each other out for straight-line driving, but still cause uneven tyre wear and affect how your car handles in corners or emergency situations.
That's why we always recommend a proper computerised alignment check rather than just "eyeballing" it.
The Bottom Line From Someone Who's Seen It All
After twenty years under the hood, here's what I know for sure:
A wheel alignment is one of those rare services that actually pays for itself. The £50-£100 you spend today could save you hundreds in premature tyre replacement, wasted fuel, and potentially much worse down the road.
That hour you "lose" at the garage could give you months of extra tyre life and peace of mind knowing your car is handling properly.
Don't be like Dave. Don't wait until you're replacing tyres every year or until you're in a situation where you need your car to respond perfectly.
Make the smart choice. Your wallet - and your family - will thank you for it.
Your Wheel Alignment Questions Answered
"How often should I really get this done?"
Once a year is a good rule of thumb, or every 10,000-12,000 miles. But get it checked immediately if you hit a serious pothole or kerb. London roads are particularly brutal on alignment.
"What's the difference between 2-wheel and 4-wheel alignment?"
Most modern cars need 4-wheel alignment. We adjust all four wheels to make sure they're perfectly parallel. Older cars with solid rear axles might only need the fronts done. We'll always check and tell you what your specific car needs.
"Can't I just adjust the tracking myself?"
I wouldn't recommend it. Without the proper £10,000+ laser alignment equipment and training, you're more likely to make things worse. This is one area where DIY usually costs more in the long run.
"My steering wheel vibrates - will alignment fix that?"
That's usually unbalanced wheels, which is a different (but equally important) service. We can check both while your car's in the workshop.
"How do I know if my mechanic is doing it properly?"
A good shop will show you the "before and after" readings on the computer screen and explain what they've adjusted. Don't be afraid to ask questions - any reputable place will be happy to walk you through the process.
"I've heard you should get an alignment after fitting new tyres - true?"
Absolutely. It's the perfect time to do it. Why put brand new tyres on a crooked setup? You'll just wear them out unevenly from day one.