How often should wheel alignment be done?
Wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted regularly to ensure your vehicle's tires wear evenly and your car drives straight. As a general rule, it's recommended to have your wheels aligned every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Why Wheel Alignment Matters
Proper wheel alignment is crucial for the safety and performance of your vehicle. When your wheels are out of alignment, it can cause uneven tire wear, poor fuel efficiency, and make your car pull to one side while driving. Misaligned wheels can also put extra strain on your suspension components, leading to premature wear and potential failures.
Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment
- Your car pulls to the left or right when driving straight
- Your steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
- Your tires are wearing unevenly, with more wear on the inside or outside edges
- Your vehicle feels unstable or wanders at highway speeds
If you notice any of these issues, it's a good idea to have your wheels aligned as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure safe, reliable handling.
How Often to Get a Wheel Alignment
The recommended frequency for a wheel alignment service varies depending on your driving conditions and the type of vehicle you own. As a general guideline:
- Every 6 months or 6,000 miles for normal driving conditions
- Every 3-4 months or 3,000 miles for heavy-duty use, such as towing a trailer or driving on rough roads
- After any major suspension work or replacement of tires, steering, or suspension components
It's also a good idea to have your wheels aligned whenever you rotate your tires, as this can help ensure even tire wear and extend the life of your tires.
Conclusion
Maintaining proper wheel alignment is an important part of vehicle maintenance that can help improve your car's handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life. By following the recommended alignment service intervals and being vigilant for signs of misalignment, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely for years to come.
Are wheel alignments worth it?
Wheel alignments are important because wheels that are out of alignment can be a safety hazard, make your tires wear out quickly or unevenly, and lead to a less pleasant experience of driving or riding in your car.
How much should an alignment cost?
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. You may find that the answer to “how much is a wheel alignment” is higher for luxury cars.
How many miles is a wheel alignment good for?
10,000 miles
Proper wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling and increases your driving safety by eliminating steering and tracking problems. As a rule, you should have your wheels aligned every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.
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.
Do I 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. The team at Jiffy Lube® is happy to help with vehicle alignment services.
How long is a wheel alignment supposed to last?
Generally speaking, you'll want to get your vehicle's wheels at least checked for proper alignment once a year or every other oil change. If you're looking for a numerical value, most tire professionals will cite the 6,000-mile figure as a rule of thumb.
What is the cost of wheel alignment and balancing?
Wheel Alignment and Balancing Cost
Wheel alignment typically costs between INR 150 and INR 300 per wheel, while wheel balancing usually costs between INR 500 and INR 1500. These charges may vary based on the location, vehicle model, type of wheels and tyres, etc.
How do you know if your car needs an alignment?
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT?
- Your vehicle pulls to one side.
- Uneven or rapid tire wear.
- Your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight.
- Squealing tires.
- Shaking or vibrating steering wheel.
- Your steering wheel feels loose or unresponsive.
How much does Discount Tire charge for alignment?
$89.99
How much does a Discount Tire wheel alignment cost? At Discount Tire, our wheel alignment services start from $89.99. PLUS, we offer free wheel alignment inspections! It's easy to get your wheel alignment from Discount Tire.
How much should I pay for 4 wheel alignment?
Our wheel alignment prices start from £57.50 for a 2 wheel computerised front wheel alignment, and £80 for a computerised four wheel alignment. You can book your vehicle in for a car wheel alignment service near you online today. We have hourly appointments available throughout the UK.
