Wheel Alignment Perth: When Do You Actually Need One?
Wheel Alignment Perth: When Do You Actually Need One?
Wheel alignment is one of the most over-sold and under-explained services in the tyre industry. Here's the straight version from our Welshpool workshop.
You need an alignment when:
1. You just fitted new tyres. Always. Even on a car that drove straight before — the old worn tyres were hiding the geometry.
2. The steering wheel isn't centred on a flat road.
3. The car pulls to one side under light throttle.
4. One edge of the tyre is wearing faster than the other (run your hand across the tread — feathering = toe out).
5. You hit a serious pothole or kerb. Perth's back roads after winter are brutal.
6. You've had suspension work — new shocks, control arms, tie rod ends.
You probably don't need one if:
- The car tracks straight, steering is centred, and tread wear is even across all four tyres.
- A workshop is recommending it without showing you a printout of your current angles.
What a proper alignment includes
At Tyre On Sale we run a Hunter-style 4-wheel alignment:
- Front + rear camber, caster and toe
- Thrust angle (so the rear wheels track straight with the front)
- Before/after printout you keep
A real alignment takes 45–60 minutes. Anyone offering "10 minute alignment" is checking toe only.
Cost in Perth
Most cars: from $89. 4WDs and lifted utes: from $120 (more shims, longer setup).
Book in
Welshpool workshop, Mon–Fri 8–5, Sat 9–12:30. Call 0466 004 999 or book online.