What will wheel alignment do?

A wheel alignment ensures that the tires and wheels are in the right relationship to the ground, to each other, and to the rest of the vehicle. That way, your tires can contact the road at the proper angle. There are several variables in the geometry of your vehicle’s suspension system. Caster, camber, and toe are among the measurements that are taken and corrected during an alignment. In short, a wheel alignment helps your vehicle to drive straight, handle properly, and save on premature or uneven tire wear.

How long does an alignment take?

For a basic wheel alignment, you can expect the service to be complete in about one hour. Less if only a front-wheel alignment is being done or if your vehicle is only scheduled for an alignment check. But if your vehicle is out of alignment and needs new steering or suspension parts to correct it, the job will take longer. Corroded components can also lengthen the time it takes for a wheel alignment.

Do I need an alignment after replacing tires?

A new set of tires on your vehicle does not require that you get a wheel alignment. But if your vehicle is out of alignment, those new tires will not last nearly as long as they should, and they will not perform to their potential. An alignment helps to keep your tires in contact with the road at the specific angles so they track properly. That is why most tire shops recommend an alignment check when you get new tires. An alignment check is essentially the same procedure as a wheel alignment, except that it only measures your vehicle to determine whether it is in alignment. If it is out of specs, an alignment will be recommended.