Wheel Alignment and Why it Matters

Chrissie Maitland — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:02:52 +0000

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

Click here to book your Wheel Alignment online.

The post Wheel Alignment and Why it Matters appeared first on Maitland Motors.

3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip

Chrissie Maitland — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:46:57 +0000

Tyre Checks you can do at home

As the school holidays creep closer and the good weather is here to stay (hopefully!), many of us are starting to plan family getaways, or day trips. But before you pile the kids and the bags into the car, there is one critical safety check you shouldn’t skip. Your tyres. Here are 3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip.

Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road. When you’re driving at highway speeds with a fully loaded vehicle, a neglected tyre can quickly turn a happy road trip into a roadside breakdown.

To keep your family safe and your holiday on track, here are 3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip you can do right in your driveway.

What to look out for at home – 3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip

The 20p Tread Depth Test. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Driving with worn tyres drastically reduces your grip, especially if you hit a sudden summer downpour on the motorway. At Home, take a 20p coin and place it into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tyres are likely below the legal limit and need replacing immediately.
Check the Pressures (While Cold) Did you know that a car packed full of holiday luggage and passengers actually requires higher tyre pressure than your daily solo commute? Driving on under-inflated tyres causes them to overheat. Also, it increases your fuel consumption, and puts you at risk of a dangerous blowout. At Home, look up your car’s recommended tyre pressures. You can usually find this on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame or in your manual. Make sure to check them before you set off while the tyres are still cold. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre in the boot too!
Inspect for Hidden Damage. Give each tyre a quick visual inspection. Look closely at the sidewalls for any unusual bulges, cuts, or cracks. If you’ve scraped a kerb recently, it’s easy to damage the internal structure of the tyre without realising it. A bulge in the sidewall means the tyre is structurally compromised and could fail at any moment.

Need a Second Opinion? Maitland Motors has You Covered.

If you are unsure about the state of your tyres, don’t leave it to chance. Book your vehicle with Ross and the team at Maitland Motors. We offer a completely Free Vehicle Health Check where we’ll inspect your tyres, brakes, and fluid levels to give you total peace of mind before you hit the road. Plus, if there is any unexpected work is needed, we offer Payment Assist to help you spread the cost interest-free. So, you can enjoy your trip with one less thing to worry about.

The post 3 Quick Tyre Checks for a Safe Summer Road Trip appeared first on Maitland Motors.

Tyres Archives | Maitland Motors

Wheel Alignment and Why it Matters

How Our Wheel Alignment Specialists Keep You Safe

​What is Wheel Alignment?

​The Hidden Costs of Misaligned Wheels

​The Maitland Motors Difference: Our Ravaglioli Technology

​When Should You Get Your Alignment Checked?

​Secure Your Wheel Alignment Slot Today