Wheel alignment at Dowleys

Incorrect wheel alignment can impact the handling and safety of your vehicle as well as reduce the economy and performance from your new car tyres. 

Your wheels may become unbalanced as a result of driving through potholes, driving over harsh speed bumps or directly impacting the kerb. Bent or excessively worn suspension components can also affect the wheel alignment of your car or van. 

At Dowleys, our highly trained technicians use cutting edge laser alignment equipment from Absolute Wheel Alignment to ensure your wheels are aligned properly. We can carry out both 2 and 4 (front and rear axle) wheel laser alignment on any vehicle from a small city car to a large commercial van.

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Tyres

Benefits of 4 Wheel Laser Alignment

After having your vehicle’s wheels aligned, you can expect to see: 

  • Reduced tyre wear and tear
  • Increased fuel economy
  • Improved handling

Some alignment centres will only 'fix' the tracking which typically involves ensuring the front wheels are parallel. 4 wheel alignment also acts as a health check for your suspension.

Signs that your wheels need to be aligned

If you notice any of the following symptoms while you’re driving, it could be an indication that your wheels need to be aligned: 

  • Uneven or excessive wear and tear on the tyres
  • Steering wheel pulling to one side
  • Lack of centre when the vehicle is driving straight
  • Excessive vibration through the steering wheel
  • Looseness in the steering wheel while driving
  • Increased fuel consumption

 

What's the difference between 2 & 4 wheel alignments?

As the names suggest, a 2 wheel alignment only focuses on two wheels – normally the front axle – whereas, a 4 wheel alignment will correct both the front and rear axles. 

Although it is likely that the front wheels will be most impacted by incorrect wheel alignment, it would be naïve to suggest that the rear wheels remain unaffected. 

Choosing a 4 wheel alignment will ensure the stability of your car or van and prevent any potential issues from incorrect rear axle alignment. 

In addition, if your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist or other Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), regular 4 wheel alignment is necessary to keep them working properly.

What does a wheel alignment check?

Wheel alignment involves setting the camber (the angle of your vehicle's wheels in relation to the road from above), caster (the angle of the steering pivot from the side) and toe (how parallel your vehicle's wheels are in relation to one another from above) back to factory settings. 

What equipment do you use?

Our workshop is equipped with Absolute Alignment Bluetooth Pro which is a completely wireless, 4 wheel alignment technology, that uses six sensors to diagnose and fix incorrect wheel alignment. 

Absolute Alignment are the UK’s leading supplier of wheel alignment equipment. Their technology is used by Power Maxed Racing to help produce race winning cars in the British Touring Car Championship.

How much does wheel alignment cost?

4-wheel alignment

Cars, Vans and 4x4 vehicles
£99.00 + VAT

(Camber and Caster angle adjustments will incur additional costs if required)

2-wheel alignment

Cars, Vans and 4x4 vehicles
£49.00 + VAT

(Camber and Caster angle adjustments will incur additional costs if required)