A long drive, especially with the family in tow, is a mix of excitement, planning, and a bit of chaos. Most of us double-check the oil, top up the screenwash, and maybe even hoover the biscuit crumbs from the back seat. But there’s one crucial thing many overlook — and according to local garage experts, it could seriously impact your journey: 4 wheel alignment.
It sounds technical, but wheel alignment plays a far bigger role in long-distance driving than most of us realise. And the effects aren’t just theoretical — they show up in your fuel costs, safety, tyre wear, and even how tired you feel at the end of a drive.
Here are five unexpected facts and expert-backed tips that may change the way you prep for your next road trip.
1. Hitting Just One Pothole Can Throw Your Wheels Out of Alignment
According to the AA, British roads see over 1.5 million potholes reported each year. Striking just one — especially at speed — can be enough to knock your wheel alignment off. Even mounting a kerb awkwardly or driving on uneven rural roads can have the same effect.
And once your wheels are misaligned, it starts a domino effect: the car tyres wear unevenly, handling worsens, and your car’s suspension can become stressed over time.
Tip: If your steering feels slightly off-centre or your car pulls to one side, even subtly, it’s worth getting it checked. Most drivers delay this, unaware that the damage is already being done beneath the surface.
2. Proper Alignment Improves Fuel Efficiency by Up to 10%
Here’s a figure to pay attention to: Misaligned wheels can reduce fuel economy by 7–10%, according to the popular tyre manufacturer Continental. That’s because your car needs more energy (and fuel) to push misaligned tyres forward. It’s a bit like walking with one foot slightly turned inwards — it slows you down and tires you out faster.
Over a long journey, that extra drag adds up, both at the pump and on your wallet.
Tip: If you’re prepping for a long trip, a quick alignment check can help you squeeze more miles out of your tank — especially important if you’re doing motorway mileage.
3. Misalignment Wears Tyres Down Faster — and Unevenly
If you’ve ever replaced a tyre only to be told the tread has worn unevenly, alignment was likely the culprit. TyreSafe UK notes that poor wheel alignment is a major contributor to premature tyre wear — particularly along the inner or outer edges.
Even more concerning, this uneven wear affects braking distances and can reduce your tyre’s grip, especially in wet weather — something we’re never short of in the UK.
Tip: Ask your garage to show you tyre wear patterns. If one side is balder than the other, alignment is almost certainly the issue.
4. Poor Alignment Increases Driver Fatigue on Long Trips
Here’s something drivers often underestimate: how much effort it takes to constantly correct your steering when your wheels are misaligned. Over a few hours, that constant correction increases driver fatigue, especially during motorway driving.
A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) even links poor alignment to greater cognitive and physical fatigue over long distances — especially when combined with high speeds and full vehicle loads.
Tip: If your car feels like it wants to ‘drift’ even slightly, or you’re doing more micro-adjustments than usual, alignment could be to blame — and your body will thank you for sorting it.
5. A 4 Wheel Alignment Check is Cheaper Than You Think — and Often Free With a Service
Many drivers avoid alignment checks thinking it’s a costly, complex job. But in reality, most alignment checks are relatively inexpensive — typically between £40–£80 depending on the garage and whether adjustments are needed. Some garages even include it free with a service or tyre change.
Unlike a major repair, alignment doesn’t require downtime or a long stay in the shop — most checks and adjustments are done in under an hour. For example, DAT Tyres offers fast and reliable 4 wheel alignment services, and their technicians can also spot underlying suspension issues during the process — giving you a double win in a single visit.
Tip: Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Include alignment as part of your regular servicing, particularly if you’ve hit a pothole or are about to embark on a long trip.
Final Thoughts: The Invisible Upgrade Your Road Trip Needs
Wheel alignment isn’t just a technical tune-up. It’s a practical step that improves safety, efficiency, and driving comfort — all without major costs or effort. If you’re heading out on a long journey, especially with a full car and unpredictable UK roads ahead, a 4 wheel alignment check is one of the smartest last-minute additions you can make to your checklist.
Because the only thing that should be pulling you off-course on your next road trip… is a spontaneous detour to a farm shop with homemade pies.
Featured Image by Mike from Pixabay
