Can Potholes Affect Wheel Alignment?

Due to the current pothole epidemic causing frustration for drivers across the UK, we are seeing an increasing number of customers with damage to their new tyres and wheels.

Driving over potholes can alter the vehicle’s steering and suspension or damage critical components which can reduce vehicle safety or generate extra running costs. By ensuring wheels are correctly aligned, drivers can minimise the effects of any pothole damage and ensure they remain as safe as possible. 

Visible damage such as buckled wheels or lumps in the car tyres are the most obvious signs of a problem, however, hidden problems such as cracked alloys can be just as dangerous.

Wheel alignment (or tracking) is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven and rapid tyre wear and could ultimately affect the handling and safety of a vehicle. Misalignment of the wheels can also result in poor fuel economy as the vehicle will need to work harder to drive along in a straight line.

Here are some of the things to look out for to determine if you require a wheel alignment: 

• Uneven tyre wear 
• Steering wheel vibration 
• Drag or pulling to one side 
• Noise while turning corners 

It also highly recommended that you have a wheel alignment carried out after any repair work on your steering and/or suspension as any work on these components can cause the wheels to become misaligned. 

At Dowleys, we offer both a 2 and 4 wheel alignment service. Most cars require 4 wheel alignment, particularly if your car is rear or four wheel drive. We use computerised wheel alignment equipment which checks the Camber, Caster, Thrust Line, Toe in and Toe out dependent on the chosen wheel alignment service. We will also provide you with a printed report of your wheel alignment readings before and after the service. 

2 wheel alignment can take 30+ minutes and covers toe adjustment to the front wheels only, and costs £59.00 + vat.

4 wheel alignment can take 60+ minutes (covers toe alignment on both the front and rear wheels where possible) and costs £89.00 + vat.  

Any adjustments to camber and castor (if required) will be charged separately.  

Please be aware that not all vehicles can have their rear toe adjusted due to the vehicle’s design or manufacture but we will inform you of this when carrying out the wheel alignment check.  Also, if the vehicle's suspension has been modified, it may not be possible to carry out a wheel alignment.