How UK Roads Are Impacting Independent Garages: Seizing the Wheel Alignment Opportunity 

The Pothole Epidemic

The UK is notorious for its pothole-riddled roads, and the problem has been escalating over the years. Potholes can vary in size and severity, but they all pose a significant risk to vehicles. Potholes can damage tyres, suspension systems, and wheel rims, causing inconvenience and unexpected repair expenses for drivers.

DVSA MOT data reveals that a total of 9,082,009 MOT tests were carried out on class III and IV vehicles between January and March 2023. Within this, 8.58% (779,236) of the vehicles failed the MOT test due to suspension defects, and an additional 6.23% (565,809) failed due to tyre-related issues. Consider this: Approximately 16.5% of vehicles passing by your workshop could require wheel alignment services, and the potential demand is greater.

A recent AA (The Automobile Association) article reports that over 50,000 pothole-related incidents were reported to the AA in September 2024 which was the highest figure for the month of September in seven years, overall in the last year there have been a 2% increase (10,000) more pothole break downs than in 2023 which reported the highest for five years.

The deteriorating condition of UK roads is attributed to water seeping into surface cracks, freezing, and expanding, which accelerates road surface degradation as vehicles drive over them. RAC (Royal Automobile Club) statistics indicate that pothole-related breakdowns attended by their patrols in the second quarter of 2023 reached a five-year high. Drivers are now 1.6 times more likely to experience breakdowns due to the repeated wear and tear caused by potholes compared to the situation in 2006.

Other causes of wheel alignment issues?

• Hitting curbs 
• Road debris 
• Worn or broken suspension components 
• Newly replaced suspension components
• Minor accidents 
• Normal wear and tear  

Some results are more costly than others!

Installing new tyres to a vehicle with wheels that are out of alignment will lead to uneven wear on those fresh tyres, and will leave your customer dissatisfied in no time. 

Considering the typical one-year or 12,000-mile service interval, that’s a lot of opportunity for problems to arise due to incorrect wheel alignment. 

How many existing services proactively check the condition of the undercar components to identify issues and provide corrective or preventative maintenance? The annual MOT will identify damage caused by incorrect alignment, but it will not prevent it from occurring, offering interim wheel alignment checks will improve overall customer satisfaction. 

Correct Alignment is Critical for ADAS

The term "ADAS" (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) refers to all driver assistance and collision avoidance systems that can lessen the severity of an accident or help prevent one from happening altogether.

 The IMI predicts that between 2014 and 2030, ADAS systems will prevent 25,000 serious accidents and save more than 2,500 (Source IMI) But ADAS systems will only work if accurately calibrated, for this correct wheel alignment is essential.

Alignment is particularly crucial for EV's for several reasons: 

Weight distribution: Electric and hybrid vehicles often have different weight distributions compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The heavy battery packs are usually located at the bottom of the vehicle, which can affect the weight distribution. Proper wheel alignment ensures that the weight is distributed evenly among all four wheels, which can impact handling, stability, and tyre wear. 

Torque delivery: Electric vehicles (EVs) typically deliver torque to the wheels differently than ICE vehicles. Electric motors can provide instant and consistent torque, and this power delivery can highlight alignment issues more clearly. Misaligned wheels can result in uneven tyre wear, reduced efficiency, and decreased handling performance in electric vehicles. 

Low rolling resistance tyres: Electric and hybrid vehicles often come equipped with low rolling resistance tyres to improve energy efficiency. These tyres can be more sensitive to alignment issues, as they are designed to minimise rolling resistance, and any misalignment can result in increased tyre wear and reduced efficiency. 

How often should vehicles be aligned? 

The frequency of wheel alignment can vary from one vehicle to another and depends on driving conditions and habits. However, as a minimum guideline, we suggest getting an alignment check with every vehicle service. 

If your customer is driving a substantial number of miles, more frequent checks are recommended. 

What does this mean to the average garage? 

Simply, it’s an opportunity! An opportunity to give your customers complete peace of mind while significantly boosting your revenue. 

With an average cost of £35 for either a front or rear alignment adjustment and around £70 for a four-wheel alignment adjustment. Based on just 10 services a week, offering this additional service, could make an approx. £700 of additional revenue. 

Within a few minutes you’ll increase your profits, and give your customers impeccable service, that will keep them coming back to you time and time again.

Incorporate wheel alignment into your routine

Incorporating a brief alignment check into your regular service jobs is both time-efficient and cost-effective for your garage. By presenting the results and recommending necessary corrections upfront, you can prevent future component damage. 

This approach not only educates customers about alignment benefits but also serves as a value-added upsell opportunity, boosting your revenue with minimal extra effort for your technicians. 

Even if no adjustments are needed, it enhances customer peace of mind. For vehicles requiring alignment fixes, it reassures customers that you're proactively saving them money in the long run.

Conclusion 

The condition of UK roads, plagued by potholes, presents a golden opportunity for independent garages. The escalating pothole problem damages vehicles and has led to a significant number of failing MOT tests. 

By providing wheel alignment services, workshops can increase revenue, offer preventive maintenance, enhance customer satisfaction, and showcase their expertise. 

Regular alignment checks can save customers money and improve vehicle safety. 

Incorporating this service into your routine is not only time-efficient but also a cost-effective way to boost your garage's revenue and customer satisfaction. It's a win-win for all involved.