Service

Wheel Alignment

Misalignment kills tyre life and steering feel. We use Hunter-style alignment gauges for both two-wheel and four-wheel alignment — essential for SUVs, 4×4s, and any vehicle that has hit a pothole or kerb.

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By the Surrey Tyres team

Workshop technicians · West Molesey, KT8

·Updated 22 May 2026·5 min read·Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment — properly called wheel geometry — is the single most under-done service in the UK tyre industry. Most chains run "two-wheel" alignment, which checks front toe only. Most modern vehicles, and almost every SUV, have independently-adjustable rear geometry that the front-only check ignores completely. A rear kerb hit on a Range Rover, X5 or AMG GLE typically goes undiagnosed at chain stores; we see it weekly.

Our workshop runs full **four-wheel computerised alignment** on a Hunter-style optical gauge. Camber, caster, toe — front and rear — read to ±0.05 degrees. You get a printout before we adjust, a printout after, and we walk you through what was wrong and what we changed. Typical full job: 45-75 minutes.

Most cars need alignment after: a pothole strike at speed, a kerb hit, new tyres on a vehicle over 30,000 miles, suspension or steering work, or simply 50,000+ miles of normal driving. Untreated misalignment burns tyres at 2-3 times the normal rate — a £180 alignment job saves you a £400 set of premature tyres.

What’s included

2WD alignment
4WD/SUV alignment
Camber, caster, toe
Before/after readout

When you need this

You've hit a pothole or kerb at speed
Your steering wheel is off-centre on a straight road
The car pulls to one side
Tyres are wearing unevenly — feathered or shoulder-wear
You've just fitted a new set of premium tyres (do it once, properly)
You've had suspension or steering work and want to confirm geometry
You drive a 4×4 / SUV and the last alignment was front-only

How it works

1. Book a slot
45-min slots for 2WD cars, 75-min for SUVs and 4×4s. Same-day usually possible.
2. We lift the car on the alignment ramp
Hunter-style ramp with optical targets clipped to each wheel.
3. Initial measurement
Computer reads camber, caster, toe — all four wheels. You get a colour-coded printout: green = in spec, red = out.
4. Adjustments
Toe adjustments are standard. Camber and caster adjustments depend on vehicle (some are factory-set only). We tell you honestly what can and can't be corrected.
5. Re-measure and printout
Final geometry printed for you. Every value green or flagged for the next service interval.
6. Test drive
Quick test drive to confirm steering wheel centring and pulling-resistance.

Wheel Alignment prices in Surrey — from

Indicative starting prices fitted and VAT-included. Exact price depends on vehicle, size, and stock — call for a firm quote.

Two-wheel alignment (front toe)
From £49
For older cars without rear adjustability — basic check
Four-wheel alignment — saloon / hatch
From £89
Camber, caster, toe all four wheels
Four-wheel alignment — SUV / 4×4
From £119
Range Rover, X5, GLE, Q7, Cayenne — extra time for lift and ramp
Performance / lowered car
From £139
Track-tuned settings, corner-weight balancing on request
Alignment + new tyres bundle
Free
Free alignment check when you buy a set of 4 premium tyres

Surrey Tyres vs the alternatives

Honest comparison against the chains and pure-mobile outfits. Pick what works for you — but pick with the facts.

Criteria	Surrey Tyres	Chain / alternative
Front-axle only (most chains)	Full 4-wheel — front AND rear	Front toe check only
Equipment	Hunter-style optical alignment gauge	String-line or basic toe-set tool
Printout	Before and after, colour-coded	No printout, "we adjusted it" verbal
SUV capability	Lifts rated for 2.6-tonne Range Rover	Standard car lifts only
Honest verdict	We tell you when alignment isn't the issue	Quick-fit incentive to upsell

In Surrey

Local picture

Surrey roads are pothole country. The A3 between New Malden and Wisley, the A309 through Esher, the A317 through Walton — all known to wreck alignment. KT10 and KT11 are dense with Range Rovers, BMW X-series, and Mercedes GLE/GLS that need full four-wheel geometry, and that's exactly what we're set up for. We do more 4-wheel SUV alignments per week than any chain in the area.

Available across Surrey

West Molesey · KT8 East Molesey · KT8 Hampton Court · KT8 Thames Ditton · KT7 Esher · KT10 Walton-on-Thames · KT12 Teddington · TW11 Hampton · TW12 All areas

FAQ

Wheel Alignment — your questions, answered

What's the difference between 2-wheel and 4-wheel alignment?+

2-wheel alignment only adjusts the front toe — fine for a 1990s Ford Fiesta with a beam rear axle. Every modern car has independent rear suspension where the rear toe and camber can drift; only 4-wheel alignment catches it. For any SUV or premium vehicle: 4-wheel is the only correct answer.

How do I know if my car needs alignment?+

Three quick checks: (1) Is the steering wheel centred when you drive in a straight line? (2) Does the car drift if you let go briefly? (3) Look at the tyres — uneven inner or outer wear means misalignment. Any one of these = book a check.

Will Kwik Fit's £35 alignment do the job?+

Honestly, no — that's a 2-wheel toe check. For a modern car with independent rear suspension, you're paying for half the job. Spend £89 for a proper 4-wheel alignment and you'll get the rear wheels checked too, which is where most pothole damage hides.

How long should alignment last?+

12-18 months of typical UK driving on a vehicle that doesn't hit anything significant. Any pothole strike at over 30 mph likely needs a recheck. New tyres fitted? Always align in the same visit — it's your single best chance to set the geometry to the new rubber.

Can you align a lowered or modified car?+

Yes. We routinely set up Cup-fitted Golf Rs, M-sport BMWs, AMG-line Mercedes, and individually-lowered Audis. Aftermarket adjustable suspension arms common — we set to your spec.

Do I need a 4-wheel alignment after fitting new tyres?+

Strongly recommended on any premium set over £600. The alignment fee (£89-£119) is the cheapest insurance against premature wear on tyres that should last 30,000+ miles.

How long does alignment take?+

Saloon/hatch: 45 minutes. SUV/4×4: 60-75 minutes. We'll get you back on the road same morning if you book before 11am.

You said alignment is free with a set of tyres — is there a catch?+

No catch. Buy a full set of 4 premium tyres (Pirelli, Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, or Goodyear) and we throw in the alignment check at no charge. If geometry is out, we discount the correction work too.

Tyre brands we fit

Related services

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