Wheel alignment (sometimes called wheel tracking) is the process of ensuring all four wheels are correctly angled in relation to each other and to the road, in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
When those angles drift out of spec, the effects ripple through the vehicle: tyres wear unevenly, the car pulls to one side, fuel economy suffers, and handling becomes less precise. It’s one of those jobs that’s easy to overlook but makes a noticeable difference when it’s right.
Correct alignment can extend tyre life by up to 12,000 miles, which makes a wheel alignment check one of the better-value maintenance items available.
There are two primary settings that wheel alignment checks and adjusts:
Toe – the angle at which tyres point inward or outward when viewed from above. Most vehicles run a small amount of toe-in, typically around 0.05°, which allows the wheels to roll efficiently without the tyres dragging. Toe-in means the fronts of the tyres are closer together than the rears; toe-out is the reverse. Even small deviations from the correct setting cause rapid tyre wear.
Camber – the angle at which the tyre sits when viewed from the front of the vehicle. A positive camber means the top of the wheel leans outward; negative camber means it leans inward. Most vehicles run a camber of between 0.5° and 2°. Incorrect camber causes uneven wear across the tyre width and affects cornering stability.
At CCM, four-wheel alignment is carried out using our John Beam V2000 computerised alignment system, measuring all four wheels simultaneously for a complete picture of the vehicle’s geometry rather than just the front axle.
The process:
Some garages offer a free alignment check but then charge separately for each adjustment, meaning you hand over your vehicle without knowing what the bill will be. We don’t operate that way. Our wheel alignment price covers the full check and all necessary adjustments. No surprises, no additions.
Most wheel alignment jobs are completed within an hour, and the benefits – in improved handling, better fuel economy, and extended tyre life – are felt immediately.
CCM has been trusted by customers across Surrey and Sussex for over 30 years, and recognised by the industry to match, with awards including back-to-back Automechanika Best Multi-Site Garage wins, consecutive IGA Best Independent Garage titles, and the Top Garage Award 2025.
To book your Wheel Alignment in Ewhurst, Gatwick or Cranleigh, use our online booking or contact us online. Alternatively, give us a ring.
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