Computerized Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment sets the angles at which the tyres meet the road: toe, camber and caster. Done by computer, each angle is measured against the manufacturer's specification and adjusted. Good alignment means the car tracks straight, the steering wheel sits centred and the tyres wear evenly.
From AED 79for balancing and alignment; written quote firstConvenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- About 1 hour
- Pickup and delivery from your door
- Convenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- Diagnosis free with repair
How we do computerized wheel alignment
- 1
Pre-alignment inspection
Before measuring, tyre pressures are set and we check the suspension and steering for play. Aligning a car with a worn tie rod is pointless, because the setting will not hold.
- 2
Mount sensors and measure
Targets or sensors are clamped to each wheel, and the system records toe, camber, caster and thrust angle on all four corners. The readings are compared with the manufacturer's range.
- 3
Adjust to specification
Toe is set with the tie rods, and camber and caster, where the car allows it, with eccentric bolts, shims or adjustable arms. The steering wheel is centred during the process.
- 4
Print-out and road test
You receive the before and after readings, and a short drive confirms that the car tracks straight and the steering wheel stays level.
Signs it is time
- The car drifts left or right on a straight, flat road if you loosen your grip
- Steering wheel is crooked when the car is going straight
- Inner or outer edges of the front tyres are wearing faster than the middle
- Steering feels vague or wanders at speed
- A squeal from the tyres in normal corners
- You hit a kerb or pothole hard, or have had suspension parts replaced
What usually causes it
Impacts with potholes and kerbs
A hard hit can bend a tie rod or knock a suspension arm slightly out of position, changing the toe or camber angle immediately.
Worn suspension and steering parts
Loose bushes, ball joints and tie rod ends let angles change as you drive. They must be replaced before alignment will hold.
Changes in ride height
Lowering, lifting or sagging springs alter camber and toe. Cars fitted with aftermarket suspension need an alignment afterwards.
Repairs that disturb settings
Fitting new struts, control arms, a steering rack or tie rods resets the angles to wherever the parts happen to sit, so alignment is part of the job.
In Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
Rough patches near roadworks, speed bumps and kerbs knock alignment out more often here than many drivers realise. Wide, low-profile tyres show misalignment quickly, so an annual check is wise, and always after new tyres or any suspension repair.
Questions about computerized wheel alignment
How often should I align my car?
Once a year or every 10,000 to 15,000 km is a good rule, and after a hard impact, new tyres or any steering and suspension work.
Two-wheel or four-wheel alignment?
Four-wheel. It measures the rear axle too and sets the front relative to it, which gives a straight, centred result on almost every modern car.
Why can't you set some angles?
Some cars have no adjustment for camber or caster at the factory. We then explain the options, such as adjustable bolts or arms, or whether the reading is within tolerance.
Does alignment help fuel economy?
A correctly aligned car has less rolling resistance, and tyres last longer, though the fuel saving is modest. The tyre life is the bigger benefit.
Will you check why it went out?
Yes. If a worn part caused it, we say so on the quote, so the alignment is not wasted.
What do the before and after printouts show?
Each angle is listed against the manufacturer's range, with a marker for whether it was in or out. You can see what was wrong and that it was brought back to specification.
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Get a written quote
Tell us about your car. You get an itemised quote before any work starts, and you choose OEM, aftermarket or used parts.