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Blog / The Importance of Wheel Alignment: How It Affects Tyre Wear, Safety, and Tyre Lifes
The Importance of Wheel Alignment: How It Affects Tyre Wear, Safety, and Tyre Lifes
11 January 2026•Usefull

The Importance of Wheel Alignment: How It Affects Tyre Wear, Safety, and Tyre Lifes

Wheel alignment is a critical aspect of vehicle maintenance that directly affects safety, tyre life, fuel efficiency, and overall driving comfort. Proper alignment ensures that all four wheels are set to the manufacturer’s specifications, allowing the tyres to meet the road at the correct angle and the suspension to work as designed.

By Spare24 Team

The


What Is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension geometry so that all four wheels are positioned at the correct angles relative to each other and to the road surface. The key alignment angles are:

  • Camber – inward or outward tilt of the wheel
  • Toe – direction the wheels point (inward or outward)
  • Caster – steering axis angle that affects stability and steering return

Correct alignment ensures that tyres make even contact with the road, roll straight, and distribute vehicle weight evenly.

Why Wheel Alignment Is Critical for Your Tyres

1. Prevents Uneven Tyre Wear

Misaligned wheels cause tyres to scrub against the road surface instead of rolling smoothly. This leads to:

  • Inner or outer edge wear
  • Feathering (saw-tooth pattern)
  • Cupping and scalloping
  • Rapid tread loss on one side only

A tyre that should last 60,000 km may wear out in 15,000–20,000 km if alignment is incorrect.


2. Extends Tyre Lifespan

Correct alignment allows:

  • Even pressure distribution
  • Balanced tread contact
  • Reduced rolling resistance

This can extend tyre life by 30–50%, saving thousands of rands over the life of the vehicle.


3. Improves Handling and Safety

Unaligned wheels cause:

  • Vehicle pulling left or right
  • Steering wheel off-centre
  • Reduced cornering stability
  • Longer braking distances

In emergency situations, poor alignment can reduce control and increase accident risk.


4. Enhances Fuel Efficiency

Misalignment increases rolling resistance. The engine must work harder to overcome drag, leading to:

  • Higher fuel consumption
  • Increased drivetrain stress
  • Reduced overall efficiency

Correct alignment can improve fuel economy by up to 10%.


5. Protects Suspension and Steering Components

Continuous misalignment places strain on:

  • Ball joints
  • Tie rods
  • Control arms
  • Steering rack
  • Wheel bearings

This accelerates wear and leads to expensive mechanical repairs.


How Unaligned Wheels Destroy Tyres

Misalignment TypeResulting Tyre Damage
Negative CamberInside edge wear
Positive CamberOutside edge wear
Toe-InFeathered inner tread
Toe-OutFeathered outer tread
Worn SuspensionCupping / scalloping

Signs Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment

  • Vehicle pulls to one side
  • Steering wheel is not straight
  • Uneven or rapid tyre wear
  • Vibration at highway speed
  • Car feels unstable on straight roads

How Often Should You Do Wheel Alignment?

Recommended:

  • Every 10,000 – 15,000 km
  • When fitting new tyres
  • After hitting potholes or curbs
  • After suspension repairs
  • When steering feels off-centre

The Financial Impact of Ignoring Alignment

Without alignment:

  • Tyres wear out 2–3× faster
  • Fuel consumption increases
  • Suspension repairs become frequent
  • Resale value drops

Proper alignment costs far less than replacing prematurely worn tyres.


Final Thoughts

Wheel alignment is not optional maintenance—it is a critical investment in:

  • Tyre lifespan
  • Vehicle safety
  • Driving comfort
  • Fuel economy
  • Mechanical longevity

Driving on misaligned wheels is like dragging your tyres sideways across the road. Over time, it silently destroys tread, wastes money, and compromises safety.

For maximum tyre life and performance, always combine:
✔ Quality tyres
✔ Correct tyre pressure
✔ Regular wheel alignment

Your tyres are your only contact with the road. Keep them aligned.

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