Wheel alignment plays a vital role in ensuring your car’s safety and performance. While wheel alignment itself is not a direct MOT test item in the UK, its effects on other critical components can influence whether your vehicle passes or fails. Here’s how wheel alignment connects to your MOT success.

Is Wheel Alignment Part of the MOT Test?

The MOT test does not directly measure wheel alignment. However, if poor alignment causes problems with tyres, suspension, or steering, your car could fail. For example, uneven tyre wear or instability in steering are often flagged during an MOT, and both can be caused by misaligned wheels.

How Poor Wheel Alignment Can Lead to MOT Failure

Incorrect wheel alignment can create several issues that may lead to MOT failure:

• Uneven tyre wear: Excessive or irregular tread wear can result in tyres falling below the legal tread depth of 1.6mm.
• Steering instability: Misalignment can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, affecting handling and control.
• Suspension stress: Continuous misalignment can place extra strain on suspension components, increasing the risk of failure during inspection.

Signs Your Wheel Alignment May Be Off

Recognising early signs of poor wheel alignment can help you address issues before your MOT. Common indicators include:

• The car pulling to one side when driving straight.
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear.
• Vibrations in the steering wheel.
• Off-centre steering wheel position.

If you notice these symptoms, a professional wheel alignment check is recommended.

How Proper Wheel Alignment Improves MOT Success

Correct wheel alignment ensures even tyre wear, stable steering, and reduced strain on suspension parts. This not only improves your driving experience but also reduces the likelihood of MOT advisories or failures related to tyres, steering, or suspension.

Preparing for an MOT: Should You Check Wheel Alignment?

While not mandatory for an MOT, checking your wheel alignment before the test is a smart preventative measure. It can:

• Extend tyre life, saving money on replacements.
• Improve fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance.
• Minimise the risk of MOT failures linked to tyre and steering defects.

Conclusion

Wheel alignment may not be a direct part of the MOT test, but its impact on related components can significantly affect your MOT outcome. Ensuring your wheels are properly aligned keeps your vehicle safer, helps avoid costly failures, and supports smoother, more efficient driving.