How often should I get wheel alignment?

How do you know if your car needs a wheel alignment? If you’re not sure, or if you feel like your car isn’t driving as smoothly anymore, it might be time to check your automotive wheel alignment! In this article, you’ll learn: What is wheel alignment? How much does it cost? When is a wheel alignment necessary? And what are the obvious signs that your vehicle needs a tire alignment adjustment? Having this knowledge will not only help you maintain your best driving experience, but it will also extend the life of your tires, improve safety and comfort.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

Four-wheel alignment, also commonly known as tire alignment or tire calibration, adjusts the relative positions between the vehicle’s wheels, steering knuckles and front axle to ensure that the vehicle’s tires maintain normal wear and good driving performance. It is like adjusting the posture of the car’s “feet” to make it walk more steadily.

How Much Does It Cost to Get in Tire Alignment?

The cost of a tire alignment varies depending on the type of service and some factors. A two-wheel alignment typically costs between $50 and $75, while a four-wheel alignment can cost between $100 and $175. The exact price depends on the number of wheels, the type of car, additional services, and local labor costs.
If the vehicle is a luxury model or requires specialized equipment, the cost may be higher. Additionally, some repair shops offer alignment packages, such as a lifetime alignment service, where customers pay a one-time upfront fee and receive free alignments every 6 months or every 6,000 miles.
The cost of an alignment can also increase depending on the inclusion of additional services, such as tire balancing or suspension repairs, so it is important to understand the detailed quote when choosing a service.

How Often Should I Get Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment does not need frequent adjustment. Generally, you should check the tire alignment every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometers (about 6,000 to 7,500 miles) or every 6 months, depending on your driving habits and road conditions.
If you often drive on bumpy roads, you may need to check more frequently. In addition, if the vehicle has the following problems, such as deviation, misaligned steering, abnormal tire wear, or insensitive steering, it is recommended to check and adjust the wheel aligner immediately instead of waiting until the next maintenance

How Do You Know If Wheels Need Alignment?

If your vehicle has been running normally, without the following problems, and without any operations that may affect the tire alignment, then you may not need to perform a four-wheel alignment for the time being. However, to ensure that the vehicle is in the best condition, you can judge whether a tire alignment is needed based on the following 4 important signs.

• After replacing tires or wheels

The installation of new tires or wheels may change the original parameters of the vehicle. If you don’t perform a four-wheel alignment, it can cause uneven tire wear and partial wear. Tires that could have worn evenly over time may experience excessive wear in certain areas due to improper alignment. This not only reduces the tire’s lifespan but also increases safety risks while driving.

• After a vehicle collision accident

Even if the appearance looks repaired, the chassis and other related parts may have been affected, causing the tire alignment parameters to change. At this time, when driving, you may find that the vehicle is running off, that is, the car runs to one side evenly without moving the steering wheel. This is very dangerous, and it will also aggravate the damage to the tires in the long run.

• Steering wheel is not straight

You cannot ignore this situation! If you feel the vehicle is unstable while driving, the steering wheel is crooked, or the vehicle leans to one side, these may indicate that the wheels are misaligned and need a tire alignment.

• Vehicle vibration

When the wheel alignment is inaccurate, the wheel’s contact with the ground and the force are uneven, which can easily cause abnormal vibrations during driving. This vibration will not only make you feel very uncomfortable in the car, like the bumpy feeling of sitting on a massage chair, but it is not enjoyable, but it may also cause damage to the vehicle’s suspension and other parts.

Summary

In short, four-wheel alignment plays an important role in ensuring the driving safety, comfort and tire life of the vehicle. Don’t wait until the problem becomes serious before paying attention to it! I hope everyone can keep their car in the best condition and travel safely.

Related blogs

• 2024 Best 3D Wheel Aligner-AUTOOL XC508
• How To DIY Repair A Tire
• The Essential Tool For Tyre Alignment – 3D Four-Wheel Aligner
• Say goodbye to runout! Important role of Wheel alignment machine!
• Tire Maintenance——Regular Tire Inspection and Changes Matter