Where to get tracking done

[MakaveliX]

Never had the tracking done on me car that I have owned for over a year now.
Is it best to go to a tyre and exhaust place... or just to a trusted mechanic ?

If the car doesn't steer to one side, or have any vibrations etc is it necessary? I do notice sometimes that my steering feels ever so slightly light when turning round roundabouts in low gears whilst accelerating quickly.. this could just be normal however
Thanks

Edited by MakaveliX on Sunday 17th December 07:50

Edited by MakaveliX on Sunday 17th December 08:07

[trickywoo]

I’ve never had good results at generic tyre places.

Best option would be a marque specialist, ideally for your car but some will be happy to do other cars. They tend to have better kit and will take the time to do it properly.

There are also dedicated specialists like geobyluke but you obviously need to be near one.

Even if your car isn’t that adjustable having the tracking right makes a big difference.

You have to be a bit careful if your tyres have worn unevenly as it still won’t feel right even with perfect tracking.

I tend to do mine on a new set of tyres and then if it’s noticeable between the next set.

[Challo]

MakaveliX said:

Never had the tracking done on me car that I have owned for over a year now.
Is it best to go to a tyre and exhaust place... or just to a trusted mechanic ?

If the car doesn't steer to one side, or have any vibrations etc is it necessary? I do notice sometimes that my steering feels ever so slightly loose when turning round roundabouts in low gears whilst accelerating quickly.. this could just be normal however
Thanks

Edited by MakaveliX on Sunday 17th December 07:50

There will be loads of local tyre garages that can do this for you. Unless you own an expensive super car or fast road car most garages will be just fine for you you need.

[Esotericstuff]

I got mine done at Halfords auto centre when I had a new set of tyres.

I can't comment on if they did the best possible job, but it was a night and day difference to the handling and only £35 when bought with the tyres.

[Deviation]

Find somewhere with a laser alignment system. Hunter is one of the brands, which Kwik Fit use, for example.

[wyson]

I’d leave well alone if you aren’t noticing problems such as uneven tyre wear or odd handling.

I tried a hunter laser alignment machine because it was offered for ‘free’ at the end of a tyre change at a tyre and exhaust place. Car was fine before it went on, but the machine showed problems. After it was aligned, I needed a fifth of a turn to drive straight. I went back three times, each time, lovely all green print outs saying the alignment was within tolerances, the car wouldn’t drive straight.

I went to a indy specialist who returned the car back to normal.

That ‘free’ alignment ended up costing me £180 in the end, to get the car back to where it started. If it ain’t broke…

Edited by wyson on Sunday 17th December 08:44

[wyson]

If you are accelerating in a corner, you are shifting the weight of the car to the back, the steering will feel lighter.

On some cars, the steering weights are inconsistent anyway, could also just be a characteristic of the vehicle.

[MakaveliX]

Cool thanks for the advice. may leave it then.

I have had a fair few jobs done to the rear suspension, nothing on the front other than drop links.. That shouldn't call for an alignment would it ?

[MakaveliX]

wyson said:

If you are accelerating in a corner, you are shifting the weight of the car to the back, the steering will feel lighter.

On some cars, the steering weights are inconsistent anyway, could also just be a characteristic of the vehicle.

Its more that very occasionally when setting off in first gear whilst turning slightly it feels as though a wheel is spinning a bit, maybe it's just me being quite sensitive, as if that was the case the Traction light would come on ( which it has in the past but only when icey )

I can put my foot down round a roundabout and feel completely planted, even in a low gear with high revs.

[georgeyboy12345]

What car is it? Might just be a characteristic of the car

[MakaveliX]

georgeyboy12345 said:

What car is it? Might just be a characteristic of the car

Mazda 3 2017

[E-bmw]

MakaveliX said:

I do notice sometimes that my steering feels ever so slightly light when turning round roundabouts in low gears whilst accelerating quickly..

Steering is supposed to feel light when going slowly as it is speed sensitive.

Add to that the possibility for torque steer when accelerating, it all sounds normal to me.

Biggest indicator of tracking issues would be uneven wear on tyres.