When you think of your car’s safety features, don’t stop with brakes, traction control, and air bags. Wheels and tires play an important role, too! They help the car drive straight, turn corners, and stop reliably. To help achieve optimal performance, it’s important to have the wheels properly aligned.
WHAT’S THE COST OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT?
The national average for a complete wheel alignment service is between $50 to $168. Although, cost can vary depending on the service provider and the type of alignment.
Wheel alignment should be performed once a year, but it may be required more frequently, depending on your driving style and where you drive. Potholes, gravel, and off-roading can all be hard on your alignment. If you have questions about how often your car’s wheels require alignment, or when your next service should take place, just contact your local Jiffy Lube®. A trained technician will be ready to help.
LET’S TALK TIRE ALIGNMENT
This is the process of adjusting a car’s steering and suspension, making sure that the tires are connecting with the road surface at the proper angles.
Alignment also ensures that the car steers, rides, and handles as the manufacturer intended.
FACTORS THAT CAN IMPACT THE COST OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT
How much you pay for a wheel alignment can ride on the following factors:
The number of wheels
A front-end alignment (or two wheel alignment), which involves only the front two wheels, typically costs anywhere from $50 to $75. While a four wheel alignment costs more, usually $100 to $168.
Type of car
You may find that the answer to “how much is a wheel alignment” is higher for luxury cars. That’s because some vehicles require specialized equipment or have engineering designs that make the job more difficult and time consuming.
Additional services
While performing the alignment, the technician may find that more work — like tire balancing or car suspension repairs — is needed. Local labor costs and rates can also vary by city, state, provider, and technician.
DOES THE COST OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT SEEM EXPENSIVE?
Look at it this way: spending $100 or so on properly aligned tires may save you much more in costly repairs. That’s right: skipping this service could cause your tires, steering, and suspension to wear out prematurely. Improperly aligned tires can also result in reduced fuel economy, and who wants to pay more at the pump?
WHAT HAPPENS DURING ALIGNMENT?
To determine if you need a wheel alignment, the technician will take your car for a test drive to check for signs of alignment problems, such as:
- Shaking steering wheel
- Car shaking when driving
- Vehicle veers to the left or right when the steering wheel is in a resting position
Using an alignment machine and performing a visual inspection, the technician will then analyze the steering angles at three checkpoints.
Caster
This is the angle created by drawing an imaginary line between the steering mechanism’s upper and lower ball joints and affects the car’s steering so that it stays at the proper height and has more stability at higher speeds.
Camber
This is the angle between the horizontal road and the vertical tire. It determines how much of the tire tread meets the road and can impact how the tires wear.
Toe
This is the angle (or distance) between the leading edge of the tires and affects the wear of the tires and stability when turning.
The technician then compares the recorded angles with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
With the help of the alignment machine, the technician adjusts the caster, camber, and toe as needed until they are within the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended ranges.
Lastly, the car is taken on a final test drive to verify that the new adjustments are accurate and have corrected any pre-repair conditions.
WHY DOES AN ALIGNMENT MATTERS?
There are several benefits to properly aligned tires, here’s what you should know.
- It helps your vehicle maintain better contact with the road’s surface, which extends tire life and improves traction on slick roads.
- It reduces tire rolling resistance and better absorbs road shock, resulting in improved gas mileage and a smoother ride on paved surfaces.
- And, during the alignment, your mechanic may discover worn steering and suspension parts, which provides an opportunity to service them before they turn into a costly or dangerous mechanical problem.
So now you know, having properly aligned tires can save you time, provide a smoother ride, and help keep you safer on the road.
FAQs
The national average for a complete wheel alignment service is between $50 to $168. Although, cost can vary depending on the service provider and the type of alignment. Wheel alignment should be performed once a year, but it may be required more frequently, depending on your driving style and where you drive.
How much does it cost to get in alignment? ›
The cost of an alignment depends on several factors: The number of wheels. A front-end alignment, which involves only the two wheels on the front of the car, typically costs anywhere from $50 to $75. Four-wheel alignments cost more, usually $100 to $175.
How do I know if I need an alignment? ›
The most common signs of misalignment are pulling to one side while you're driving, unusual tire wear and/or a steering wheel that's off-center even though your vehicle is pointed straight. But these symptoms can have other causes, sometimes simpler and sometimes not.
How much to do wheel alignment? ›
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
| WHEEL ALIGNMENT: | | |
|---|
| PSRG – 2 Wheel | R195.65 | R225.00 |
| PSRG – 4 Wheel | R239.13 | R275.00 |
| LVD – 2 Wheel | R195.65 | R255.00 |
| SUV & 4×4 | R270.00 | R310.00 |
1 more rowAn alignment is not a time-consuming procedure and should typically take an hour or less. A four-wheel alignment (as opposed to a front-wheel one) will take a little longer, and if the mechanic finds broken or worn-out parts in the suspension system, replacing them will take longer as well.
What is the best price for a front-end alignment? ›
A front-end alignment usually costs between $65 and $100 (some brands, of course, are more). At that price, it should be a regular part of your car care regime. To make an alignment even more economical, some car care facilities offer lifetime alignment packages for around $200.
How many times does a car need an alignment? ›
Typically, it is recommended to get your wheels aligned every 2 to 3 years. However, to ensure the optimal safety of your car, yourself and others around you, it is best to opt for a wheel alignment every time you go to change your oil of the vehicle.
Should I get new tires or an alignment first? ›
It doesn't matter whether you get your alignment before or after having your new tires put on. Most experts agree that the only effect worn tires have on your alignment is a change to the vehicle's ride height which, given today's steering and suspension design, should be negligible.
Does your car need an alignment after replacing tires? ›
If your wheels are misaligned, the new tires may start to wear unevenly right from the beginning, resulting in a shortened lifespan. Getting an alignment after new tire installation ensures that your vehicle drives straight and true, improving both safety and performance.
What happens when your car is out of alignment? ›
If your vehicle is out of alignment, uneven tire wear can occur, which can cause a vibration that is felt in your steering wheel. Steering wheel vibrations can also be because of unbalanced tires or a bent rim caused by hitting a curb or pothole.
Most vehicles require a 4 wheel alignment.
Is wheel alignment easy to fix? ›
It requires the proper tools to diagnose, repair, replace, and properly align your vehicle. It's not an easy fix like changing your motor oil, and it should be done by a dealership or repair shop. While they check alignment, consult with them on wheel balancing.
Are wheel alignments worth it? ›
The primary purposes of wheel alignment are: Improving Vehicle Safety: Enhancing Auto Safety: Accurate alignment guarantees that the car moves straight ahead (without “pulling” to one side). Extending Tire Lifespan: Improper wheel alignment can cause uneven tire wear, which shortens tire life.
What happens if you wait too long to get a wheel alignment? ›
It isn't uncommon for wheel misalignment to result in flat spots and tire blowouts because it can cause your tires to experience added tension. Also, misaligned wheels can lead to damaged wheel rims and suspension, which can affect the performance and longevity of your vehicle.
How long can I drive my car without an alignment? ›
The actual length of time differs from one car to the next, but generally speaking, you want to get an alignment every 5,000 to 8,000 miles under normal conditions.
Do wheels come off for alignment? ›
An alignment does not require removing the wheels. The equipment is attached to the wheels while they are in place.
Is wheel alignment worth it? ›
Yes. When your wheels are out of alignment, they are often pulling against each other or being partly dragged along the road surface. This can have several consequences for the car's handling and feel, including a steering wheel that vibrates or the whole car shaking as it goes down the motorway.
How long after new tires should I get an alignment? ›
It doesn't matter whether you get your alignment before or after having your new tires put on. Most experts agree that the only effect worn tires have on your alignment is a change to the vehicle's ride height which, given today's steering and suspension design, should be negligible.
Can you do an alignment at home? ›
While it's possible to do a DIY alignment at home, it's best to have a mechanic do it for you at a service center near you. You can do the wheel alignment separately or as part of your annual tire care service and vehicle maintenance at Tom Kadlec Kia.
What to expect when getting an alignment? ›
A wheel alignment is done using an alignment machine that measures your wheel angles. These are calculated and compared against your vehicle's original specifications. The technician makes adjustments to the camber, caster, and toe of each wheel as needed.
