Wheel Alignment – Falkirk

If your car pulls to one side, the steering wheel sits off-centre, or your tyres wear unevenly, your wheel alignment is likely off. At Ian Grieve Service Centre, we use laser four-wheel alignment equipment to measure the angles of all four wheels and adjust them back to the manufacturer’s specification.

We carry out wheel alignment on most makes and models at our workshop just off Glasgow Road, and the work usually takes around an hour, so you’re welcome to wait while we do it.

What wheel alignment actually means

Wheel alignment refers to the angles at which your wheels meet the road and point in relation to each other. When those angles are correct, your tyres roll straight and wear evenly, and the car feels stable to drive.

Our laser equipment checks three main measurements:

• Toe, which is whether the wheels point slightly inwards or outwards when viewed from above
• Camber, which is how much the wheels tilt in or out at the top when viewed from the front
• Caster, which affects how the steering self-centres and how stable the car feels at speed

Signs your wheels need aligning

Alignment usually drifts gradually, so it’s easy not to notice until your tyres start wearing out; however, it’s worth booking a check if you notice:

• The car pulling or drifting to one side on a straight road
• A steering wheel that isn’t straight when you’re driving straight ahead
• Wear on the inner or outer edges of your tyres
• Squealing from the tyres when cornering at low speeds
• Steering that feels vague or heavier than it used to

When to have your alignment checked

Potholes, speed bumps, and knocks against the kerb are some of the most common causes of misalignment, and there’s no shortage of those on the roads around Falkirk. We’d recommend a check after any hard impact, and whenever you fit new tyres or have suspension or steering parts replaced. Having your alignment checked once a year is also a sensible habit, particularly if you cover high mileage.

The benefits of correct alignment

Getting your alignment right helps your tyres last longer, which saves you money over time. It can also improve fuel economy, since misaligned wheels create extra drag, and it makes the car feel more predictable to steer and brake.

Why choose us for wheel alignment

Our laser four-wheel alignment equipment gives accurate readings on a wide range of vehicles, and as a Bosch Car Service centre, we have access to up-to-date technical data for most makes and models. If we find worn suspension or steering parts during the check, we’ll explain what we’ve found and the cost of replacing them before we go ahead, because alignment can’t be set correctly on worn components.

If it’s easier, we also offer free collection and delivery across Cameron, Falkirk, Larbert, Denny, and Bonnybridge.