How much does alignment cost for a car? Signs of a bad alignment!

By Shawn Longmore â€¢  Updated: 07/18/21 â€¢  4 min read
signs of bad alignment

How much does alignment cost for a car?

The average cost for alignment issues is around $60 to $90 dollars which aren’t very expensive. However, the price can vary from one shop to another, but it should be around this amount. Some vehicles will have alignment costs that are slightly higher. For instance, you’ll pay around $100 for an alignment job on a truck or SUV.

How do you know when the alignment is bad?

The best way to know whether or not your car needs an alignment repair is by checking the tread wear on your tires. A good way to check this is by taking a penny and placing it between the treads of the tire with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see all or part of Abe’s head, it may be time to have an alignment on your vehicle.

How to fix alignment on a car

The complete process involves a special machine that will check the position of each wheel. After the vehicle is put on the machine, it is aligned to ensure that there are no discrepancies between any of the wheels. You can attempt to do the alignment yourself, but it’s a bit of a challenge without the proper equipment. For this reason, I would recommend using a certified professional technician to handle the job. They will have all the necessary tools to ensure the job is performed correctly and most likely provide a warranty on their services.

Where can I get my car aligned near me?

The easiest way to find an alignment shop near you is to search on Google or Bing for local alignment services. It’s a good idea to call them and get an estimate before you make your way over. Another simple option is to find one near you that offers online booking. I found that some local body shops offer alignment services as well as places like Kwik Kar and Pep Boys.

How often to get alignment on cars

The number of miles that are put on the car each year will determine how quickly the tires wear out and how frequently you should get alignments on your vehicle. If you drive over 45,000 miles a year, you should get an alignment check every six months. Most people only drive 15,000 miles each year so getting aligned once a year is more than enough. However, if you notice that your vehicle isn’t driving straight, it could be time for an alignment.

Is an alignment required with new tires?

Now that you know how much it costs and where to get your alignment done, you may be wondering if an alignment is required after new tires are installed. For the most part, no. New tires rarely need additional alignment work, but it’s a good idea to get it checked in case of any problems. Especially if you feel the car drifting or the steering wheel pulling toward the left or right while driving down the road.

balance new tire

Do I need a camber kit for alignment?

Now you should know what it costs to align a vehicle as well as whether or not an alignment is needed after new tires. You may be wondering if you need camber kits for alignment. Camber kits are only required when the recommended amount of adjustment cannot be achieved simply by adjusting your suspension system. A kit will allow further adjustments and help keep the tires properly aligned. I installed an aftermarket camber kit on the rear of my 2010 Volvo C70 to help with the alignment and it has been working perfectly since. I’ve had no problems with the newly installed parts and because they are made for Volvos, I trust that they won’t fail on me anytime soon.

camber kit for Infinity G35

What are adjustments on car alignment?

It’s important to know the different functions of an alignment machine so that you can distinguish between a good alignment and a bad one. Wheel angle adjustment is used to correct misaligned wheels back into place after a collision or accident as well as aligning crooked tires. Lateral runs on the gauge adjust camber. Cambers can be adjusted left or right depending on whether the top of your tire is being pulled inward or outward.

Still have questions or need more answers?

To learn more about alignments, contact your local mechanic or auto shop. They should be able to provide answers to all your questions prior to scheduling service. You can also visit the alignment page on Wikipedia for further reading. I hope this article has answered your questions about alignments and helps you keep your vehicle in great condition.

Shawn Longmore

Shawn Longmore has been a part of the auto glass industry for over 20 years and is the founder of Auto Glass Locator. With years of hands-on experience replacing and repairing auto glass, he offers valuable insights into the world of windshield replacements. Each year he continues to help more people find great deals on auto glass and other automotive services.

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