Wheel alignment on a Toyota or Lexus hybrid — how toe raises fuel use

A hybrid is sensitive to rolling resistance. Bad toe after a kerb, a wishbone replacement or a bent wheel adds a few tenths of a litre per 100 km. With low fuel use you see that difference at the next fill-up.

How to tell

• The steering does not return straight or the car pulls
• The inner or outer edge of the tyre wears faster
• Fuel use jumped after hitting a pothole, with no warning on the dash

What follows from that

Setting the alignment gives back what the EV system gains in town. Before we look for a battery fault, we check tyre pressure and toe. How not to be fooled by the trip computer: an honest fuel measurement.

Summary

Regular diagnostics and careful use keep a hybrid free of surprises. If you have questions after reading — see our hybrid service or contact us.