The importance of wheel alignments and tyre health

Why a wheel alignment is so important

Wheel alignment refers to how your wheels are positioned in relation to each other and the road. If your alignment is off, your car might start pulling to one side, your steering wheel may feel off-centre, and you’ll probably notice uneven tyre wear.

Poor alignment doesn’t just affect your driving experience but it forces your tyres to work harder, leading to premature wear and reducing your car’s fuel efficiency. When your wheels aren’t aligned properly, your vehicle has to use more power to move forward, which means more trips to the servo.

Common causes of wheel misalignment

Hitting potholes or driving over rough roads

 Speed bumps taken too fast

Minor accidents or scraping the curb

Suspension wear and tear over time

Even normal driving can slowly knock your alignment out of place, so regular checks are a must.

Tyre health: More than just tread depth

Your tyres are the only thing between your car and the road, making them one of the most important safety aspects of any vehicle. Driving with worn or damaged tyres will eventually lead to longer stopping distances, poor grip, and an increased risk of blowouts, especially in wet conditions.

Here are some obvious signs that your tyres need attention:

Uneven tread wear

This could indicate either an alignment issue or underinflation, meaning there isn’t enough air pressure in your tyres

Cracks or bulges 

Tyres showing visible cracks or bubbles could be at risk of a blowout

Low tread depth

The legal minimum tread depth in Australia is 1.5mm, but we would recommend replacing tyres well before that.

Vibrations or shaking

If your steering wheel vibrates at certain speeds, it might mean your wheels are out of balance.

Regularly checking your tyres pressure, tread depth, and condition is one of the simplest ways to ensure your car stays safe and fuel-efficient.

How often should you get your wheel alignment and tyres checked?

Wheel alignment

Every 10,000km or at least once a year, but we would recommend doing this even sooner if you’ve recently hit a big pothole or notice any handling issues.

Tyre checks 

Every month or so would be recommended to do the basic checks – tread depth, air pressure, and any visible damage or signs of uneven wear.

Tyre replacement

Every 40,000-50,000km would be the general guide, but this largely depends on wear, driving conditions and the type of vehicle you drive. Certain sportier tyres may also have a soft compound, which means they will wear quicker.

Overall, a properly aligned vehicle with healthy tyres drives smoother, handles better, and saves you money on fuel and maintenance. It also reduces the risk of accidents, giving you peace of mind on the road and keeping you and your passengers as safe as possible.