Snowy kerb strikes require alignment checks

Unknown or minor damage caused to vehicles during the recent snow and ice could continue to cause drivers extra expense for many months ahead unless they have their vehicle’s alignment properly checked. During the bad weather, many drivers slid into kerbs or drove into deep potholes as they struggled to control their vehicles properly, potentially causing damage or misalignment to their vehicle’s wheels and geometry settings. Cars suffering from misalignment will experience higher running costs as the tyres will wear out prematurely and the increased rolling resistance will cause higher fuel bills. Gross misalignment can even be a danger to other road users. “Although drivers may not notice any difference to the way their car feels after sliding into a kerb or other object, it’s important that they have their wheel alignment properly checked,” explains Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align. “Even very low speed impacts can cause significant misalignment or damage to components, especially if they occur at an unusual angle. Many workshops across the country are equipped with the latest four wheel alignment systems which can determine in just a few minutes, if a car’s alignment needs adjusting.” Modern wheel alignment systems now use sophisticated technology to measure 14 primary angles of all four wheels in a matter of minutes. Not only can this complex operation help reduce driver’s running costs, but it can also make for safer driving and better handling as any vehicle pull can be identified, and steering wheels set straight, to avoid further driving distractions. Any motorist considering getting the alignment measured should check that the workshop performing wheel alignment will provide an alignment printout. Many these days are colour coded to easily show the misalignment errors, but will also detail the vehicle settings both before and after any work is carried out, allowing full transparency of the completed works. Drivers visiting www.alignmycar.co.uk can check the location of their nearest wheel alignment centre and print off a discount voucher entitling them to a 5% reduction on their alignment bill at participating centres. Notes AlignMyCar.co.uk is a wheel alignment information resource and centre locator developed by Pro-Align, one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of wheel alignment and wheel service equipment. Pro-Align’s advanced systems are used by many vehicle manufacturers, franchised dealer groups, independent workshops, motorsport specialists and vehicle technology consultancies. Pro-Align is the sole partner for the Hunter range of wheel aligners, balancers and tyre changers. Useful Links AlignMyCar – www.AlignMyCar.co.uk Pro-Align – www.pro-align.co.uk Hunter Engineering – www.hunter.com PR Contact Danny Rughoobeer Red Marlin danny@redmarlin.co.uk T 01926 333245 M 07739 878365

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