How Our Wheel Alignment Specialists Keep You Safe
Between the unpredictable Scottish weather and the ever-growing collection of potholes on our local roads, our cars’ suspension systems take a serious beating. Have you noticed your car pulling slightly to one side? Or maybe your steering wheel feels a bit crooked when you’re driving straight? These are classic signs that your wheel alignment is out. At Maitland Motors, we want to help you keep your car running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Here is everything you need to know about wheel alignment and why our investment in top-tier technology makes all the difference for your vehicle.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment (sometimes called tracking) is the process of adjusting your vehicle’s suspension components so that the wheels are perfectly parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road.
When your car leaves the factory, its wheels are set at very precise angles to maximise handling and tire life. Over time, hitting a deep pothole, bumping a kerb, or simply driving on worn suspension parts can knock these angles out of alignment.
The Hidden Costs of Misaligned Wheels
Ignoring bad alignment doesn’t just make your drive less comfortable—it actively costs you money. Here is how:
- Premature Tire Wear: When your alignment is off, your tires don’t roll flat against the tarmac. Instead, they scrub against it. This causes rapid, uneven wear on the inner or outer edges, meaning you’ll have to replace your tires much sooner than expected.
- Poor Fuel Economy: Misaligned wheels create extra rolling resistance. Your engine has to work significantly harder to push the car forward, which directly increases your fuel consumption.
- Compromised Handling: In an emergency braking or steering situation, you need your vehicle to react predictably. Misalignment can cause unstable handling, especially on wet or icy roads.
The Maitland Motors Difference: Our Ravaglioli Technology
We don’t believe in guesswork when it comes to your safety. That is why our Burntisland workshop is equipped with a state-of-the-art Ravaglioli wheel alignment system.
Ravaglioli is a world leader in garage equipment, renowned for its absolute precision. Our advanced system uses high-tech sensors to take incredibly accurate measurements of your vehicle’s current geometry. It compares your car’s exact measurements against the manufacturer’s original specifications, allowing our technicians to make micro-adjustments to the millimetre.
Whether you drive a compact city runaround, a family SUV, or a commercial van, our Ravaglioli system ensures your tracking is reset to absolute perfection.
When Should You Get Your Alignment Checked?
We recommend booking an alignment check if:
- You have recently hit a particularly nasty pothole or kerb.
- You notice uneven or rapid tire wear.
- Your steering wheel is off-centre when driving in a straight line.
- Your car feels like it is pulling to the left or right.
- You have just had new tires fitted (to ensure you get the maximum lifespan out of them!).
Secure Your Wheel Alignment Slot Today
Don’t let poor tracking ruin your tyres and drain your fuel tank. Our online booking system is live 24/7, making it easier than ever to secure your slot at a time that suits you