Wheel Alignment

For over 20 years, Jim Reid Vehicle Sales & Service has been keeping Aberdeenshire's vehicles running to true form. From our modern facility in Kintore, our family-run business combines traditional Scottish service values with cutting-edge automotive technology.

As wheel alignment specialists, we've invested in the latest Ravaglioli alignment equipment to deliver precision results for every vehicle – from family cars to luxury 4x4s. Poor wheel alignment isn't just about uneven tyre wear; it affects your car's handling, fuel efficiency, and safety on Scotland's demanding roads.

Whether you're commuting to Aberdeen, touring the Highlands, or navigating city streets in Edinburgh, properly aligned wheels make every journey smoother, safer, and more economical. Let our expert technicians restore your car's perfect geometry with our comprehensive wheel alignment service.

Expert Wheel Alignment Service in Kintore, Aberdeenshire

Have you got a car that's not driving quite right? As Aberdeenshire's wheel alignment specialists, we'll help get you back on track - literally! At Jim Reid car sales, we’re here to keep you on the straight and narrow…

Is It Worth Getting Your Wheels Aligned? The Benefits of Wheel Alignment

We often get asked “Is it worth paying for wheel alignment?” and our response is always a resounding, YES! Aside from better and safer handling on the roads in all weather conditions, getting your car wheels aligned can in fact improve fuel efficiency and save you money on replacement tyres in the long run.

Signs Your Wheels Need Aligning

So, now you know the importance of wheel alignment, how do you tell if a car needs a wheel alignment service? Well, below, we’ve listed five of the most important signs to look out for: 

5 Warning Signs Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment

1. Uneven wear on the tyres (especially on the edges)
2. Car pulling to the left or right when driving straight
3. The steering wheel is off-centre when parked or driving
4. Experiencing vibrations through the steering wheel
5. Your tyres are making a squealing sound  

When Should You Get Your Alignment Checked?

• After hitting significant potholes
• When fitting new tyres
• If you notice uneven tyre wear
• Every 12-18 months as preventative maintenance
• Following any suspension work
• When your car's handling feels 'off'

Remember, prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure. Not sure if your alignment's right? Drop by our Kintore workshop for a quick check - it could save you a fortune in the long run!

Ask Jim! Common Questions About Wheel Alignment 

As a trusted family-run dealership, we often get asked questions about cars by our customers, and we’re always very happy to help. Here Jim Reid answers your most common questions when it comes to wheel alignment:  

Q: Is it Okay to Drive With Bad Alignment?

A: While it is possible to still drive a vehicle with misaligned wheels, it is a risk. Not only can you cause potentially expensive tyre damage, but your car may become more difficult to handle and could fail its MOT due to uneven tyre wear.

Q: Will My Car Drive Better After Alignment?

A: You’ll notice a difference in how your car drives immediately after wheel alignment. You can expect smoother handling when driving, more precise steering, and better overall stability - no more fighting the steering wheel! 

Q: Is Wheel Alignment an MOT Failure?

A: While wheel alignment itself isn't directly tested during an MOT, the problems caused by poor alignment can definitely lead to MOT failure of your vehicle. Our testers will check for uneven tyre wear as well as the steering and handling, so here’s what you need to know:

Tyres - If your tyres show severe or uneven wear patterns or the tread depth is worn below 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, it results in an automatic MOT failure. 

Steering and handling - To pass its MOT, your car must drive in a straight line without pulling and not have excessive movement in its steering, otherwise this can result in a failure.

Q: How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?

A: Most cars take about an hour for a complete 4-wheel alignment service. We use our precision Ravaglioli equipment to get your car's geometry exactly right.

The Jim Reid Difference

When you're choosing someone to work on your car, we know trust is everything. That's exactly why we've built our family business here in Kintore on good old-fashioned Scottish values - honesty, expertise, and doing the job right first time. 

Before we start, we'll show you the exact measurements and what needs fixing. When we're done, we'll prove the difference with before and after readings, and you can even take a copy home. Plus, with our clear pricing structure, you'll know exactly what you're paying for. 

Being family-run means every car that comes through our doors gets treated like it's our own - because our reputation in the local community means everything to us. Just ask around Aberdeenshire - there's a reason why our customers keep coming back year after year!

Book Your Car’s Wheel Alignment Service Today

Our professional 4-wheel alignment service is designed with you in mind. That means we try to keep costs as competitive as possible while keeping you in the loop when your car is in our care. 

How Much Does it Cost?

Our car wheel alignment service starts from £108 (excluding VAT and labour costs) for a full geometry check, detailed report and expert recommendations based on our findings. A 4-wheel alignment at our most basic price is £162 (including VAT), but it all depends on how much time we spend on your car. 

Prices can vary between types of vehicle, so for example, if you have a 4-wheel drive, you will be looking at a price of between £432 to £486 (including VAT). Please get in touch for an accurate quote of your vehicle by calling us or filling out the enquiry form further down the page. 

The table below provides a much clearer idea of the prices you will pay:  

Jim Reid’s Top Tips:

• Mind those potholes! Easier said than done, right? If you do hit a big one, pop in for a quick alignment check - better safe than sorry.
• Remember that kerbs are not your friends! Regularly mounting kerbs or hitting them at speed can throw your alignment off, so take it easy when parking.
• Check your tyres on a monthly basis by running your hand across your tyres (when they're cold) and feel for uneven wear. If you notice more wear on one edge than the other, that's a telltale sign your alignment needs checking. 
• Listen to your car. If it's vibrating, pulling to one side, or sitting off-centre when driving straight, don't ignore it. These are your car's way of saying "Help! My alignment's off!"

Bonus Tip from Jim!

Here's something many folks don't know - if you've got a brand new car with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), then proper wheel alignment is even more crucial. These safety systems rely on your car tracking straight and precise to be truly effective. Think of it as keeping your car's eyes properly focused on the road ahead!