Wheel Alignment – Leven

Wheel alignment, often called tracking, adjusts the angle of your wheels so they point straight ahead and sit parallel to each other.

If the alignment is out, your car may pull to one side and your tyres will wear unevenly, which means replacing them sooner than you should. At Lamberts Garage Service Centre, we check and adjust front wheel alignment using laser equipment for accurate, repeatable results.

Signs your tracking is out

• The car drifts or pulls to one side on a straight, level road.
• Your steering wheel sits off-centre when you’re driving straight.
• The inner or outer edges of your front tyres are wearing faster than the middle.
• The steering doesn’t return to centre properly after a turn.
• Your tyres squeal on gentle corners.

Road camber can make any car drift slightly, so if you’re not sure, we’re happy to check.

When to have your alignment checked

Alignment can drift gradually through normal wear, or be knocked out by a single impact. It’s worth booking a check:

• After hitting a pothole or kerb hard.
• When you fit new front tyres, so they wear evenly from the start.
• After steering or suspension parts, such as track rod ends or lower arms, have been replaced.
• Whenever you notice any of the signs above.

After a Fife winter, with its share of potholes, a spring alignment check is a sensible habit.

About our two-wheel laser alignment

Our equipment measures and adjusts the front wheels, which is what most front-wheel-drive cars need, because the rear alignment on many models is fixed at the factory. Some cars, particularly those with independent rear suspension, have adjustable rear alignment too and benefit from a four-wheel alignment. If your car needs that, we’ll tell you honestly instead of carrying out an adjustment that only covers half the job.

How we align your wheels

We start by checking tyre pressures and looking for worn steering or suspension parts, because alignment set on a car with a worn joint won’t hold. Next, we measure the front toe angles with our laser equipment, adjust the track rods to bring them within the manufacturer’s specification, and centre the steering wheel. Finally, we road test the car to confirm it drives straight.

Why good alignment pays for itself

Correct alignment helps your tyres last longer and reduces rolling resistance, which can slightly improve fuel economy. The car also feels more settled and predictable, especially on faster roads. For the price of a check, it can save you replacing a pair of tyres well before their time.