Wheel alignment & tracking
If your car pulls to one side, the steering wheel sits off-centre, or your tyres are wearing on one edge, your alignment is almost certainly out. We'll measure it, adjust it, and protect the tread life of every tyre on the car.
What alignment actually does
Wheel alignment (sometimes called tracking) is the angle of your wheels relative to the road and each other. When it drifts out of spec — usually from a kerb strike, a deep pothole or worn suspension — three things happen: the car pulls, the steering goes off-centre, and your tyres wear unevenly across the tread. That last one is the expensive bit. A new tyre with bad alignment can be ruined in a few thousand miles.
When to come in
- You've just fitted new tyres
- The car pulls left or right on a flat, straight road
- Your steering wheel sits crooked when you're driving straight
- One edge of a tyre is wearing faster than the other
- You've clouted a kerb or hit a pothole hard
How we do it
We measure the front (and on most modern cars, the rear) wheel angles, compare them to the manufacturer's spec for your car, and adjust the toe — and where adjustable, camber and caster — until everything is back where it should be.
Pricing & time
Most alignments take 30–45 minutes. Prices depend on whether it's front-only or four-wheel, and whether anything's seized. Call 020 8952 6551 for a quick quote.
Why local drivers choose us
Experienced local technicians
Years of day-in, day-out work on every make and model that drives through Burnt Oak.
Honest advice, competitive prices
Straight answers over the phone. No upsells, no surprise fees when you collect.
Fast turnaround on most jobs
Walk in, wait, drive out — most jobs done the same visit.
Convenient Burnt Oak location
On Park Way, a short walk from Burnt Oak Underground and easy parking outside.
Trusted by local drivers
A family-run pair of shops serving Edgware and the surrounding area.
Common questions we hear in the workshop
How do I know if my wheels need aligning?+
Tell-tale signs: the car pulls to one side on a flat road, the steering wheel sits off-centre when you're going straight, or the inner or outer edge of a tyre is wearing faster than the rest. Bumping a kerb or hitting a deep pothole often knocks alignment out.
What's the difference between alignment and balancing?+
They sound similar but they're different jobs. Alignment is about the angles of the wheels relative to the road and each other — it stops uneven tyre wear and pulling. Balancing is about weight distribution around a single wheel — it stops steering vibration. Most cars need both checked from time to time.
How often should I get tracking checked?+
Whenever you fit new tyres or have a strong reason to suspect it's out — a heavy kerb hit, a pothole, or visibly uneven tyre wear. Otherwise once a year is plenty for most drivers.
Will alignment fix my tyre wear?+
If the wear is caused by misalignment, yes — correcting the angles stops it getting worse. It won't restore tread that's already gone, but it protects what's left.
How long does wheel alignment take?+
Most cars are about 30–45 minutes. Some adjustments take longer if bolts are seized or the car needs camber/caster work as well as toe.
Related services
Car pulling or tyres wearing unevenly?
Drop in and we'll check the alignment. Most cars are sorted within the hour.