Wheel alignment (also known as tracking) is the process of adjusting the angles of a vehicle's wheels so they are set to the car manufacturer's specifications. The goal is to ensure that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other.

In simple terms:

It makes sure your tyres are pointing in the right direction — not slightly inward or outward — and that they sit properly on the road.

Why it matters:

• Improves tyre lifespan – misaligned wheels cause uneven tyre wear.

• Enhances handling and safety – helps your car steer straight and feel stable.

• Boosts fuel efficiency – reduces drag caused by tyre scrubbing.

Common signs your alignment might be off:

• Car pulls to one side.

• Steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight.

• Uneven or rapid tyre wear.

• Steering feels loose or twitchy.

The most commonly known angles.

1. Camber (Viewed from the front)

• What it is: The tilt of the wheel inward or outward.

• Purpose: Affects tyre contact with the road during cornering.

• Too much: Can cause uneven tyre wear (inside or outside edges).

2. Caster (Viewed from the side)

• What it is: The angle of the steering axis (forward or backward tilt).

• Purpose: Helps with straight-line stability and steering return.

• Too little: Makes steering feel unstable or twitchy.

3. Toe (Viewed from above)

• What it is: Whether the front of the tyres point inward (toe-in) or outward (toe-out).

• Purpose: Affects tyre wear and handling response.

• Wrong setting: Causes scrubbing and rapid tyre wear.

Each angle is adjusted to match the manufacturer’s spec — even small changes can make a big difference in handling and tyre life.

With over 25 years of hands-on experience, WE have built a solid reputation in the field of wheel alignment — not only across a wide range of retail and light passenger vehicles, but also through involvement in competitive motorsport at a national level.

Our approach is grounded in continuous improvement. We’ve consistently invested in both the latest alignment technology and ongoing technician training, ensuring we stay up to date with the evolving needs of modern vehicles and performance setups.

Whether you're maintaining your daily car or fine-tuning a vehicle for competitive use, you can rely on US for a careful, informed and professional alignment service.

At Autotest, we understand that certain vehicles — particularly modified cars, track builds, or specialist applications — require tailored wheel alignment settings. That’s why we’re happy to work with custom alignment specifications, adjusting geometry to suit your individual requirements within reasonable limits.

Whether you’re looking to optimise tyre wear, handling balance, or performance characteristics, we can set up your vehicle to the figures you provide.

Disclaimer:
All custom alignment settings are carried out at the customer’s request and discretion. While we’ll ensure precise setup to the figures supplied, Autotest cannot be held responsible for any resulting tyre wear, handling characteristics, or drivability issues that may arise from non-manufacturer settings.

Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and parking sensors. These systems rely on a network of radars, cameras, and sensors that must be precisely aligned with the vehicle’s geometry.

Because these systems depend on accurate steering and suspension data, any changes to wheel alignment can directly affect ADAS performance. Even a minor adjustment to toe, camber, or caster can shift the vehicle’s reference points, potentially leading to inaccurate readings or malfunctions in ADAS features.

For more information, please visit our ADAS page. https://www.autotest.org.uk/adas

Our general booking times are currently 3–8 weeks in advance due to high demand. However, for wheel alignment services, we often have availability within the same week.

To check availability or make a booking, please fill out an enquiry form or give us a call on 01603 410834 — we’ll be happy to help.