On Britain’s potholed, patched roads, a car’s suspension takes a tremendous battering, and as a result, suspension problems are occurring more frequently. According to DVSA MOT statistics for the months of April 2021 through March 2022, 3.053,120 cars (or 9.28% of all vehicles) failed their initial MOT test owing to suspension issues, while 2.075,990 vehicles (or 6.31% of all vehicles) failed due to tyre-related issues. Almost 5 million of the 32.9 million licenced automobiles on UK roads have suspension or tyre-related problems, according to this statistic.
Consider the chance that more than 15% of the automobiles passing your garage doors are possible consumers for wheel alignments; nevertheless, the likelihood is far higher. The RAC dealt with the most pothole-related breakdowns since 2006 in the third quarter of 2021. 1,810 breakdowns involved vehicles with broken suspension parts, bent wheels, and damaged shock absorbers were addressed by RAC patrols during that time.
The RAC findings reveal that drivers in the UK are 1.5 times more likely to break down after striking a pothole now than they were when the organisation first started gathering data in 2006, with the deteriorating quality of UK roads causing more wear and tear on under-car components.
The root causes of wheel alignment issues:
The outcome of incorrect wheel alignment
Proper wheel alignment guarantees that a vehicle’s wheel geometry meets Original requirements, improving the vehicle’s handling and stability on the road. When a vehicle’s wheels are out of alignment, the steering and suspension parts are put under extra strain, which increases wear and shortens their total lifespan. Due to uneven tyre wear, which can result in tugging to one side or vibrations at higher speeds, a vehicle may have a range of handling concerns.
Increased tyre life: Uneven tyre wear from misaligned wheels can shorten the life of tyres. Vehicle owners may incur greater expenditures as a result of having to replace their tyres earlier than anticipated. Customers can benefit from independent garages that provide wheel alignment services and save money in the long run by extending the life of their tyres.
Preventative maintenance: The average service schedule for a vehicle is around 12,000 miles or one year, that’s a lot of ground that could be covered with potential issues lurking on the undercar. Consider how many general services will proactively check the condition of the undercar components to identify issues and provide corrective measures. The annual MOT will identify any damage caused as a result of incorrect wheel alignment, but it won’t prevent it from happening in the future, which will ultimately lead to an unhappy customer in the long run.
Increased fuel efficiency: When a vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the vehicle. This can lead to improved fuel efficiency, which is a major selling point for many car owners. Independent garages can promote their wheel alignment services as a way to help customers save money on fuel or electricity.
Improved safety: Accurate wheel alignment is crucial for maintaining a vehicle’s safety on the road. Misaligned wheels can cause a variety of safety issues, including reduced traction and stability, increased stopping distance, and decreased steering responsiveness. Independent garages can promote their wheel alignment services as a way to help customers stay safe on the road.
By offering wheel alignment services, independent garages can demonstrate their commitment to providing comprehensive vehicle maintenance services. This can help build customer loyalty and increase customer satisfaction, which can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth advertising.
No matter if corrective actions are required or not an interim alignment check-up is a great addition to your services and gives your customers added peace of mind that their suspension and wheel setup is in good condition and the results you provide them from the test is assisting them with preventative maintenance to save them money in the long run.
The GEA’s aim is to act as a single focal point for our members, representing their interests within the Automotive Industry, and in liaison with other professional bodies and Government organisations.
