What’s the best place to get a wheel alignment?
Any major tire shop should be able to perform an alignment. Pep Boys, any America’s Tire/Costco Tire Center/Just Tires/Big’O’Tires, etc. Your vehicle will be hooked up to the alignment machine and your mechanic will begin making the adjustments to the suspension angles according to the manufacturer’s specifications. There are four main areas that your mechanic will be adjusting: toe, camber, caster and thrust.Unlike balancing, which is normally about the tire and wheel assembly, alignment is in fact about the vehicle suspension. Aligning your vehicle suspension means adjusting the wheel angles to the manufacturer’s specifications. This includes adjusting the vehicle’s alignment and camber, as discussed in more detail below.Proper wheel alignment is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that directly impacts fuel economy, safety, and overall driving experience. By addressing misalignment issues promptly, you can save on fuel costs, extend the life of your tires, and enjoy a smoother ride.Since it requires adjustments that are very precise, it’s recommended to have a professional mechanic do it for you, especially for camber and caster. However, you might be able to align the toe angle on the front wheels pretty well after replacing steering or suspension parts like a tie rod end or struts.
What is the first thing you do before carrying out a wheel alignment?
Before performing an alignment, it is important to inspect tires and wheels, check all steering and suspension components for wear or damage, look for excessive weight in passenger and cargo areas and verify curb height is within spec. Risks of Driving with Alignment Issues Poor Fuel Efficiency: Misalignment increases friction between the tires and the road, leading to decreased fuel efficiency. Safety Hazards: Misalignment can compromise your vehicle’s handling and braking performance, increasing the risk of accidents.Front-End, Thrust Angle and Four-Wheel Alignment Front-end alignments are fine for some vehicles featuring a solid rear axle, but confirming that the front tires are positioned directly in front of the rear tires is also important.Yes, wheel alignment is worth it. Proper wheel alignment ensures that your car handles well, has better fuel efficiency, and prolongs the lifespan of your tires. It also improves your car’s safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by poor handling.Should you get an alignment with new tires? Yes! An alignment helps ensure your tires perform their best, last longer, and keep you safely on the straight and narrow.DIY alignment may seem like a smart cost-saver—but unless you have advanced tools, a flat surface, and expert know-how, you’re playing a risky game. Alignment isn’t guesswork—it’s geometry. And when it comes to road safety and car health, precision always wins over good intentions.
Do I need 2 wheel or 4 wheel alignment?
However, cars have evolved and are now built for comfort and performance. In order to achieve and maintain a smooth drive the steering and suspension of all four wheels need to be checked and measured. This is why alignment is also known as ‘tracking’ or ‘four-wheel alignment’. The main difference between front end alignment and wheel alignment is the scope of the adjustment. A front end alignment only adjusts the angles of the suspension components in the front of the vehicle. On the other hand, a wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the suspension components in all four wheels.There are three main types of alignments available – front-end, thrust and four-wheel. The type of suspension that your vehicle has determines what kind of alignment your car will receive. Your mechanic will be able to recommend the right alignment type for your vehicle.Should you get an alignment with new tires? Yes! An alignment helps ensure your tires perform their best, last longer, and keep you safely on the straight and narrow.The four-wheel alignment will restore all four corners of your vehicle to the manufacturer’s specifications. This type of alignment requires specialist equipment and is the most comprehensive alignment.
Do you need an alignment after replacing tires?
Should you get an alignment with new tires? Yes! An alignment helps ensure your tires perform their best, last longer, and keep you safely on the straight and narrow. If you skip alignment, you risk uneven tire wear, which can shorten the life of your new tires. You may also experience issues with handling, such as pulling to one side or an off-center steering wheel, and reduced fuel efficiency.Outside of electronic malfunctions, hydraulic or traditional power steering systems consist of countless moving parts. Parts like tie rods, ball joints, or bushings might be worn out, causing the steering wheel to be misaligned. This can cause an off-center steering wheel even after getting your wheels re-aligned.What happens if you wait too long for an alignment? Delaying a wheel alignment can negatively affect your tire performance and lifespan. Even slight misalignments, which are imperceptible to the eye but measurable in small degrees or fractions of an inch, can cause uneven and premature tire wear.You likely need a tire alignment ASAP if you notice one or more of the following: Your tires have uneven tread wear. Your car pulls or drifts to the left or right. The steering wheel isn’t centered even when driving straight.If your steering wheel feels loose or seems slow to respond, it could indicate that your vehicle’s alignment needs attention. You might notice it’s a bit harder to steer straight, or the wheel might feel like it’s slipping back and forth more than usual, especially when you’re turning or going around a curve.
Will my car drive better after an alignment?
One of the most important benefits of wheel alignment is improved handling. Properly aligned wheels will make your car handle better on the road, especially when you’re driving at high speeds. If your car’s wheels are out of alignment, you’ll notice that it drifts to one side of the road or the other. Tires can quickly wear unevenly with a bad alignment. You should plan to get an alignment performed within 6 months or 6,000 miles at the longest to help minimize premature tire wear.As a general guideline, most vehicles benefit from a wheel alignment every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or about once a year. This schedule often lines up with routine tire rotations or oil changes, making it easier to remember. However, the exact timing can vary.