VW Wheel Alignment
Your Volkswagen needs to be reliable at all times. Although often overlooked, Wheel Alignment is an essential part of this. It also improves safety and helps reduce repair bills.
This blog covers:
- Why having your wheels aligned properly is crucial for your safety and others on the road.
- Indications that suggest your VW wheels could be out of alignment.
- The financial advantages and improved effectiveness of keeping your wheels properly aligned.
- Plus lots more…
We prioritise your safety at Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre. With exceptional customer service and a host of Volkswagen specialists on hand, we make sure your vehicle leaves our workshop in prime condition.
Call or visit us today for all your VW repair needs.
Firstly, What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel Alignment involves adjusting the direction of the wheels in your Volkswagen. They need to be parallel to each other and perpendicular (90 degrees) to the ground. These precise adjustments are crucial for handling, safety and performance.
Volkswagen vehicles have two main types of adjustments: Two-Wheel (or front-end) Alignment and Four-Wheel (all-wheel) Alignment.
Volkswagens with solid Rear Axles, commonly found on vans, trucks and older models, require only two wheel adjustments. Only the front wheels are adjusted for camber, caster and toe to ensure that the wheel’s direction matches the centreline of the vehicle.
Recent Volkswagen models or those equipped with independent suspension require all-wheel or Four-Wheel Alignment. This involves the adjustment of all four wheels at once.
At Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre, our team precisely adjusts the camber, caster and toe of all four wheels to ensure that your vehicle performs its best.
The choice between Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Alignment ultimately depends on your Suspension and Chassis setup in your Volkswagen.
What Causes Wheel Misalignment?
Wheel misalignment in your Volkswagen can happen due to:
- Driving in potholes and rough surfaces
- Accidents and collisions
- Hitting kerbs
- General age and wear
If you believe your wheels have become misaligned then look for the following signs, outlined in the next section.
The Tell-Tale Signs of Misaligned Wheels
There are clear signs that your VW wheels might need realigning. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to visit our specialists at Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre for a thorough check-up:
- Steering Wheel Position: If your Steering Wheel isn’t straight when you’re driving in a straight line, it could mean your wheels need realigning.
- Strange Tyre Noises: Weird squealing noises from your Tyres, especially when turning, could mean your VW wheels are out of Alignment.
- Trouble with Handling: Difficulty making quick turns or keeping your car straight at high speeds might indicate Wheel Alignment issues.
- Car Drifting: If your VW tends to drift to one side when you’re driving straight, it could be due to misaligned wheels.
- Uneven Tyre Wear: Uneven wear on your Tyres, with some areas more worn than others, is a big sign of misalignment.
- Higher Fuel Consumption: Misaligned wheels can make your Tyres work harder, which means you’ll use more fuel.
- Steering Wheel Shaking: If your Steering Wheel vibrates, especially at higher speeds, it could mean your VW wheels need realigning.
Misaligned wheels not only wear out your VW Tyres faster but also reduce fuel efficiency and safety.
Experiencing any of these problems? They could be early signs of Tyre misalignment. Bring your VW to our skilled technicians at Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre for a quality fix.
Advantages of Correct Wheel Alignment
Maintaining the correct VW Wheel Alignment brings several advantages, not just for your driving experience but also for your wallet and safety.
Here’s why:
- Better Fuel Efficiency: When your wheels are aligned properly, your Tyres don’t have to work as hard against the road, meaning you use less fuel and save money in the long run.
- Saving Money Over Time: Regular Wheel Alignment saves you on maintenance over the years. This includes spending less on fuel, making your Tyres last longer, and avoiding expensive repairs from misalignment.
- Less Strain on Car Parts: If your wheels aren’t aligned, it puts extra stress on your car’s Suspension and Steering Systems, wearing them out faster and potentially costing you a lot to fix. Aligning your wheels helps these parts last longer.
- Improved Handling: VWs with correctly aligned wheels handle better, making your driving safer and more responsive, especially around corners or at high speeds.
- Safer Driving: Uneven Tyre wear from misalignment can make your VW harder to control and increase the chances of accidents. Proper Alignment keeps your car stable and secure, making the roads safer for you.
- Longer Lasting Tyres: Aligned wheels mean your Tyres wear evenly, so they last longer and you don’t have to replace them as often.
- More Comfortable Driving: When your wheels are aligned, your car vibrates less, giving you a smoother ride and making long journeys less tiring.
Make sure your VW’s Wheel Alignment is correct; contact Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre today for all your maintenance needs.
Reduce Repair Bills With Proper Wheel Alignment
Having your wheels aligned properly can save you a lot of money, depending on:
- The specific VW model you have
- How you drive
- How often you drive
Studies show that when your wheels aren’t aligned, you might use up to 7% more fuel. By keeping your wheels aligned, you can drive more efficiently, which means you spend less at the pump.
With how much fuel costs these days, that doesn’t sound too bad, does it?
Say you drive around 15,000 miles every year in a car that gets 30 miles per gallon, and fuel costs £6.60 per gallon, making sure your VW’s wheels are aligned properly could save you about £220 a year just on fuel.
Extending beyond fuel savings, your VW Wheel Alignment could also improve Tyre longevity. You could save even more because your Tyres wear less often.
Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre’s team of Volkswagen experts make sure your wheels are properly aligned when your car enters our workshop. Helping you save money in the long run.
The advantages financially of a proper Wheel Alignment include reduced fuel and tyre expenses as your vehicle will drive smoother and more efficiently. The best part of proper Wheel Alignment comes from the safety improvements for you and other road users.
In Summary
Making sure your VW’s wheels are properly aligned is crucial for its safety, performance, and efficiency.
Regular Wheel Alignment at Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre brings numerous advantages such as less Tyre wear, better fuel efficiency, reduced chances of accidents, and lower repair expenses.
If you’re worried about your VW’s Wheel Alignment, Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre are here to assist you.
Our expert technicians are committed to keeping your VW in top condition, providing a driving experience that’s not just safer and more economical but also more enjoyable overall.
