Beetle questions again!

[nykkieberry]

The ongoing saga of the tyres..VW have recommended that I four wheel alignment at �65 as opposed to tracking at �10 to prevent tyre noise and unbalnced wear on my tyres. What's is the difference and is it really necessary? I just feel like I am paying six times the price for flashy technology that isn't really necessary? Thanks

[Dave Potts]

When you 'get your tracking done' it is generally just the directional alignment of the front wheels that is looked at, and typically very basic equipment is used, if any. Companies usually charge �5 - �10 for this, so it might appear to be a bit of a bargain but I've found it's usually a false economy. I now always go for digital 4-wheel alignment, which normally costs anything from �20-�40 (�65 sounds a bit steep - who quoted you that? A VW dealer?) from a specialist tyre/exhaust place. The 4-wheel alignment normally takes about 30 mins depending of the level of adjustment required, and involves the clamping of measuring heads on all four wheels and using infra-red they then measure axle misalignment and the computer screen shows them what degrees of adjustment are required. The adjustments themselves don't take long, and they should give you a 'before and after' printout as a record of the work done. The result should be even tyre wear and better handling, but drive carefully over speed bumps and don't mount the pavement as this will definitely throw it out again. I generally get it done every six months as required. As to whether it's necessary, how much do you pay for your tyres? If you have Pirellis at �170 a pop or more, I would say definitely, but if remoulds at �80 a set are your poison you might want to have a rethink....

BTW lots of places will check for FREE to see if adjustment is required, and only charge if you get it done - always worth asking!

[nykkieberry]

Thank you so much Dave! VW quoted me �65 and said it would take two hours. I've rang around and Kwik Fit/National Tyres are quoting �22. The tyres are �100 each Dunlops) so it's worth me getting it done for �20. the car has also done 50k so I will definitely go for the full works! (I'll just not get it done at VW!) many thanks again!

[Dave Potts]

You're welcome nykkieberry - one last cautionary word - check with your local Kwik Fit and make sure that they offer computerised (often referred to as 'laser' or 'digital') four wheel alignment for your �22 - if they do that's an excellent price. I use a firm called Oldfield Tyres in Southall, who are excellent (and charge �35), but if they're nowhere near you try and find somewhere that uses Hunter Engineering equipment or similar. The wife's used Kwikfit before, and there was no improvement until I took the car down to Oldfield to get it sorted properly. Check out http://www.felthamtyre.co.uk/ or http://www.merityre.co.uk/ who also use Hunter kit. Never used National Tyres but I believe they use laser 4-wheel alignment ramps and charge about �35 - ATS are also good and are priced around the same. I sound like an alignment spod but I work for a transport firm so this is something we deal with a LOT.....(nudges nykkieberry to see if still awake) :o)

[nykkieberry]

Thanks Dave! Not asleep - honest! In fact, i am so sick of people telling me conflicting things from don't bother to it should cost a fiver to VW are the bees knees that I feel like selling the car! Nice to get some sensible advice Thanks xx

[robber1]

Great answer DP. It is also adviseable to have this check done on second hand cars before handing over the money. It can show chassis damage misalignment after a crash repair job.