How Much Does Car Wheel Alignment Cost?

Every driver will require a wheel alignment at some point, and it is incredibly important that you get yourself booked in at a local garage to have the issue resolved.

By the end of this article, you will know everything you need to know about wheel alignment, including how much wheel alignment costs.

How Much Does Car Wheel Alignment Cost in the UK?

The average car wheel alignment cost in the UK is £42.63, according to bookings made through BookMyGarage.

For a 2-wheel alignment, the average cost is £41.23, and the average 4-wheel alignment cost in the UK is £74.64.

We would suggest booking wheel balancing alongside your wheel alignment. This will raise the cost slightly, by £5 to £10 per wheel.

Your wheel alignment is important and should be checked once every 2 to 3 years.

Your wheels can be knocked out of alignment by driving with uneven tyre tread and pressure, knocking curbs or potholes, or travelling with excessive weight in the car.

What Is the Average Wheel Alignment Cost in the UK?

The exact cost of wheel alignment can vary depending on which vehicle you drive.

The table below shows the average UK tracking cost for 26 popular makes of cars.

Averages calculated from wheel alignment and tracking bookings made on BookMyGarage. Prices vary by garage. To find the best deal on wheel alignment near you, compare deals on our directory now.

What Will Happen at My Wheel Alignment Appointment?

A mechanic will use specialist equipment to complete your wheel alignment.

You should not attempt to adjust the alignment of your car’s wheels yourself.

When the steering wheel is pointing straight, the front wheels should do the same. With the steering wheel in its most central position, the mechanic will attach clamps to each wheel.

A computer uses reflections from these clamps to calculate what adjustments are needed.

The machine can measure the alignment more accurate than the human eye to catch even the slightest misalignment.

It also checks your wheels’ camber – the angle of the wheel – and toe – how straight the tyre sits on the wheel.

When both are set correctly, you will notice an improvement in handling and stability.

How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Last?

Manufacturers tend not to put timeframes on how long a wheel alignment will last.

It is recommended that you have your wheels aligned every 2 to 3 years.

You may need a wheel alignment sooner if you drive over a kerb or a pothole.

You should book a wheel alignment if it has been 3 years since you last had your wheels aligned. You should also have your wheels aligned when new tyres are fitted on your car.

Is Wheel Alignment the Same as Tracking?

Wheel alignment may be different to wheel balancing, but tracking is actually the same as wheel alignment.

Tracking is a more informal term for wheel alignment, referring to how well your wheels align with each other and the rest of your car.

Your car may have a tracking issue if your tyre tread seems unnaturally wide.

Wheel alignment is more concerned with the adjustment of your car’s suspension.

Does My Car Need a 2- or 4- Wheel Alignment?

2-wheel alignment consists of an inspection and relevant adjustments to the front wheels, while a 4-wheel alignment inspects and adjusts all the wheels on your vehicle.

Many UK vehicles are front-wheel drive only, meaning they have a solid rear axle which doesn't need adjusting.

If your car is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive only, you should book a 2-wheel alignment.

If your car uses both the front and back wheels to steer, you should book a 4-wheel alignment.

You can consult your vehicle handbook or ask a mechanic to advise you as to which service you require.

If you notice your car dragging to one side, wobbling, or that the steering wheel won’t pull back into place after a turn, you should book a wheel alignment.

To keep your wheel alignment cost low, you can compare deals easily on BookMyGarage. You can save up to 70% when you search using our comparison tool instead of going to a main dealer.

Just enter your reg and postcode into the booking tool below to get started.

We hope you have enjoyed learning about the cost of wheel alignment.