Wheel alignment: when is it needed and what does the workshop do?

What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment means measuring the angles of the wheels and adjusting them to the manufacturer's values. The most important angles are toe, which shows whether the wheels point inwards or outwards, camber, which is the tilt of the wheel seen from the front, and caster, which affects how the steering wheel returns to centre and the car's stability.

The measurement is done on an alignment rig. The workshop adjusts what can be adjusted on your car and prints a report with values before and after.

Signs that the alignment is off

• The car pulls to one side on a straight road
• The steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight ahead
• The tyres wear unevenly, for example on the inner or outer edge
• The car feels unsettled or unstable at higher speeds

Wheel alignment can be knocked out by driving into potholes or kerbs, and it should be checked after replacing track rod ends, shock absorbers or other suspension parts.

What affects the price?

• Whether only the front axle or all four wheels are measured and adjusted
• Seized adjusters that take time to free
• Worn parts that must be replaced before adjustment
• The need to calibrate driver assistance systems afterwards on some cars

Ask for a quote. Wheel alignment does not qualify for ROT or RUT deductions.

Preparations

Make sure the tyres are at the correct pressure and that you are not carrying heavy loads in the car unless the workshop asks you to. Describe the symptoms and tell them if the car has recently had new suspension or steering parts. If the car has new tyres, it is a good time to check the alignment so the tyres do not wear unevenly from the start.

What should the quote include?

• Measurement and adjustment of the front or both axles
• A printed alignment report before and after
• How any worn parts will be handled
• Whether calibration of camera or radar is included or extra

Your rights as a consumer

The Consumer Services Act (Konsumenttjänstlagen) also applies when the workshop adjusts your car. If the workshop finds worn parts that must be replaced, they must contact you before carrying out the additional work. An approximate price may not be exceeded by more than 15 per cent. If the car still pulls after the work, contact the workshop and make a complaint. In the event of a dispute, you can turn to ARN.

Questions to ask and common mistakes

Ask whether the workshop uses the manufacturer's reference values, whether you will receive the alignment report and whether they test drive the car afterwards.

Common mistakes are replacing tyres without correcting faulty alignment, ignoring an off-centre steering wheel and not asking for the report.

Find a workshop via Fixtorget

Describe your car and the symptoms. Workshops can contact you, you can compare their reviews from customers who have been in contact via Fixtorget, and you can approve a cost specification in the portal.

Frequently asked questions