How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?

In 2017 there were 738 fatalities in tire-related automotive crashes. Proper maintenance and regular replacement of your tires can prevent this type of tragedy from happening to you.

Everyone knows that you're supposed to check the tire pressure. But did you know you're also supposed to rotate and have them aligned? How often should you get a wheel alignment? Doing this regularly will ensure your tires wear evenly, your car handles properly, and you get maximum fuel economy.

Use this guide to figure out how often you should have your wheels aligned.

What Is a Wheel Alignment?

If you have properly aligned wheels, then your car will drive in a straight line on its own, and the ride will feel smooth. When your tires get out of alignment, the entire vehicle will feel out of whack. If you let go of the wheel, the car will veer into a direction.

When you find this happening, you need to bring your car in for an alignment. A technician will raise your vehicle on a lift and then adjust the suspension components to bring them back to specific angles. These angles are specific to each car.

Signs You Need an Alignment

The easiest way to tell is if your car pulls to the right or left. If you briefly let go of the wheel, you'll find that the car veers in a particular direction. We don't suggest that you make a habit of letting go of your steering wheel.

When you're driving straight forward, your steering wheel should also be centered at the 12 o'clock position. If the steering wheel is off, then so are your wheels.

Find a smooth road to drive on. If you feel pulsing, vibration, or shaking, then you need an alignment. You may feel this extra motion through the steering wheel or the seat. Be careful with this test, rough or uneven road surface can distort your judgment with this method.

Park the car, and take a look at each of your tires. All four tires should wear the same amount and evenly across each tire. Make sure the inside and outside of the tread are wearing evenly.

It's possible to have one or all tires wearing unevenly, so you need to look at each tire.

How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?

If you experience normal driving conditions, then you should schedule a wheel alignment every six months to a year. However, this is a broad generalization, and how often you need one can vary significantly.

If you drive over rough roads or tend to hit the curbs often, then you'll need an alignment sooner and more often. Sometimes all it takes is one killer pothole to knock your car out of alignment.

Then for other people, they may rarely need an alignment. Those who drive minimal miles on smooth roads may be able to drive for a long time before needing an alignment.

How Long Does an Alignment Take?

It should take about an hour to have an alignment done. While it's one of those services that you can drop by and have done, it's best to schedule an appointment in advance. This will ensure your car gets serviced right away, and you're not left waiting.

I Bought New Tires, Do I Need an Alignment?

It's a good idea to get an alignment when you get new tires. This ensures you start off on the right foot with your new tires. You don't want brand new tires that immediately start wearing unevenly.

However, if you just got an alignment and you're confident that it's still aligned, you could get away with not having one done. Keep an eye on your tires, and any sign of uneven wear should have you immediately bringing the car in for an alignment.

Do I Need All Four Wheels Aligned?

This depends on the type of car you drive. Not all cars have the ability to adjust the rear end. If it's possible to adjust all four, then you'll want to do that.

Don't try to save money by only getting a front end alignment. The price between a front end and all four tire alignment is usually not that different.

Cost of an Alignment

The amount you pay for alignment will vary based on where you are and who you go to. An independent shop is usually more affordable than a dealership. It's more important to focus on finding a reputable service provider than to focus on finding the cheapest cost.

Are Tire Balancing and Alignments the Same Thing?

No, they're not. Tire balancing involves adjusting the weights inside the tire. There are small weights placed in the tire barrel to ensure even weight distribution. It's easy to confuse which one you might need because the symptoms for both can be similar, such as steering wheel chatter.

What Is the Printout I'm Given After the Alignment?

After the alignment is completed, the shop will test to ensure they have the proper adjustments. There's a printout produced that will state what the before and after measurements are. This should include things like camber, caster, and toe.

Your service technician should be able to explain the measurement values and what was done to re-align your vehicle.

Have Your Wheels Aligned Today

If you can't remember the last time you've had your wheels aligned, then you're probably overdue. The answer to how often should you get a wheel alignment can be tricky. But you can always check if you need one by looking at your tires.

Keep in mind that you may need an alignment more often if you tend to jump curbs, hit potholes, or drive on rough roads.

Schedule your wheel alignment today and improve your vehicle's handling, tire wear, and fuel efficiency.