Everything You Need to Know About Laser Wheel Alignment

Everything You Need to Know About Laser Wheel Alignment

Laser wheel alignment - sounds technical right? Don't let that scare you. Laser wheel alignment is an effective and speedy process for aligning wheels. Today, Supertracker share with you everything you need to know about the laser wheel alignment method.

What is Laser Wheel Alignment?

Although it sounds complicated, laser wheel alignment is a simple process. The laser wheel alignment method ensures that the wheels of the vehicle are set to the optimum position, using beams of light to check that your car’s wheels are aligned correctly.

The alignment process helps to protect your vehicle from uneven tyre wear by ensuring that the tyres have as much surface area making contact with the road as possible, as well as improving handling and safety.

What Does Laser Wheel Alignment Check?

Laser wheel alignment uses beams of light to check if the wheels of the vehicle are set up as they should be. This means the wheels are configured to point at specific angles to ensure the car rolls along smoothly, not just pointing forwards. The following angles are checked for:

  • Toe-in/Toe-out - The direction the two front wheels point relative to each other
  • Set back - One wheel on the same axle is set further back than the other
  • Camber - The angle of the wheels in relation to the road
  • Caster - The degree the vehicle steering axis is tilted forward or backward from vertical, when viewed from the side

Take a look at our breakdown of wheel alignment angles to find out more about what these angles mean. 

How is Vehicle Wheel Alignment Tested?

The laser wheel alignment products we specialise in are quick and easy to use as well as being accurate and durable. You can view our Laser Alignment products or alternatively contact us to talk about your company's' needs.

The vehicle is put on a ramp, allowing the wheels to rotate. Gauges are attached to each of the wheels and a light beam is shone from one wheel to another. From this, the technician can calculate the alignment from where the laser falls on the scales on each wheel. Depending on where the beams of light fall on a scale, the technician can see whether the wheels are in or out of alignment. With the use of a Digital Camber Castor Gauge, Camber and Castor can also be measured - if necessary, corrections will be made to restore the alignment.

How Do I Know if My Car Needs a Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment problems can be caused by day-to-day driving on poor quality roads, driving over potholes, hitting the curb or from excessive wear to steering components. Getting your wheel alignment checked regularly will ultimately help to prolong the life of your tyres and improve your vehicle's safety as well as increasing fuel efficiency.

Key indications of wheel alignment issues include:

  • The steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight
  • Uneven tyre wear
  • Steering wheel vibration

 

For further information about any of our aligners or the services that we offer, contact the Supertracker team today! Call us on 01909 480055 or email us at info@supertracker.com.

For more information please call us on 01909 480055