Wheel Alignment FAQs

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What Is Wheel Alignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Alignment is the process of adjusting your vehicle's wheels back to specifications by making adjustments to the steering linkage and suspension. These may be factory specs or custom specs depending on modifications to suspension or ride height." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How Do I Know If I Need A Tire Alignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Common signs include uneven tread wear, a steering wheel that is off-center, and abnormal pulling. Sometimes misalignment is not obvious, so the most accurate way to diagnose it is by hooking the vehicle to an alignment machine." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What If I Don't Perform A Wheel Alignment On My Vehicle?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Driving a vehicle with poor alignment can cause uneven and premature tire wear, abnormal handling, increased fuel consumption, and early wear on steering and suspension components." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How Are Wheel Alignments Done?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A mechanic begins with a test drive, then inspects tires and suspension components. Worn parts must be replaced before continuing. Tire pressure is checked and adjusted. The vehicle is mounted to an alignment machine and the technician adjusts toe, camber, caster, and thrust angles according to manufacturer specifications." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I Get An Alignment When I Get New Tires?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. An alignment protects your investment by helping you get maximum mileage out of your new tires." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When Should I Have My Wheel Alignment Checked?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ideally once a year as preventive maintenance, or sooner if you hit a curb or pothole, notice uneven tire wear, feel the vehicle pulling, see a crooked steering wheel, replace suspension components, or buy new tires." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "My Vehicle Is 4WD or 4x4, Do I Need A 4 Wheel Alignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It depends on your vehicle's suspension, but most modern cars and SUVs can receive a four-wheel alignment because rear wheels can also go out of alignment and cause premature tire wear." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How Much Is A Wheel Alignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Prices vary from $99 to $350 or more depending on the vehicle, location, and type of alignment. Modern vehicles and advanced technologies have increased labor and equipment costs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How Long Does A Wheel Alignment Take?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The average time is about one hour, depending on the vehicle, the type of alignment, and the adjustments required." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "I Just Did An Alignment, But My Car Still Pulls, Why?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Even if alignment is within specifications, other issues may cause pulling, such as tire radial pull, worn engine or transmission mounts, electronic power steering calibration, steering angle sensor calibration, or ADAS issues." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How Often Should My Vehicle Get A Wheel Alignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ideally once a year, or sooner if you hit potholes or curbs, experience pulling, have a crooked steering wheel, or replace suspension or steering components, or when you buy new tires." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What Can Cause My Vehicle To Come Out Of Alignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Common causes include potholes, hitting curbs, worn steering and suspension components, and road impacts." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What Are The Types Of Wheel Alignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are three main types: front-end alignment, thrust alignment, and four-wheel alignment. The suspension design determines which one your vehicle needs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Wheel Alignment Affect Gas Mileage?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Correct alignment reduces rolling resistance, which lowers friction and improves fuel economy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Wheel Balancing The Same As Wheel Alignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Wheel balancing corrects weight imbalance by adding small weights to the wheel. Wheel alignment adjusts suspension angles to ensure correct wheel tracking." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Wheel Alignment Affect Tire Wear?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Poor alignment leads to uneven and accelerated tire wear. Regular inspections help detect wear patterns before major damage occurs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Wheel Alignment Fix A Crooked Steering Wheel Or Loose Steering?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Alignment may correct a crooked steering wheel if no other steering components are worn or damaged. Excessive play often indicates worn suspension or steering parts that should be repaired before performing alignment." } } ] }