Alignment shop near Newark, DE? [Archive] (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to get an alignment near me? ›

A front-end alignment usually costs between $65 and $100 (some brands, of course, are more). At that price, it should be a regular part of your car care regime. To make an alignment even more economical, some car care facilities offer lifetime alignment packages for around $200.

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.

An alignment is not a time-consuming procedure and should typically take an hour or less. A four-wheel alignment (as opposed to a front-wheel one) will take a little longer, and if the mechanic finds broken or worn-out parts in the suspension system, replacing them will take longer as well.

The three factors that affect alignment are toe-in, camber and caster. The first two can easily be checked at home. Car front tires are slightly pigeon-toed to intentionally place a very slight load on the wheel bearings. Typical toe-in specs vary from one-thirty-second to one-eighth-inch, depending on the vehicle.

The most common signs of misalignment are pulling to one side while you're driving, unusual tire wear and/or a steering wheel that's off-center even though your vehicle is pointed straight.

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.

Using a tape measure or string, you can do a full and complete wheel alignment at home. This includes: Castor: the slope of your steering axis, which you can determine by drawing a vertical line through the upper and lower ball joint. Camber: the vertical angle that your tires are tilted, either in or out.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Your bill may be considerably higher if the mechanic discovers other problems during the wheel alignment, such as suspension or axle damage that requires repair. Your tires may also be worn out or need balancing.

Alignments are Worth Every Penny

Vehicle maintenance is a necessary burden for anyone who wants to keep their auto running for as long as possible. The prospect of spending around $70 to $100 or more for a wheel alignment can be frustrating, but it's money well spent.

The actual length of time differs from one car to the next, but generally speaking, you want to get an alignment every 5,000 to 8,000 miles under normal conditions.

What happens if you don't align your car? ›

Without a wheel alignment, your tyres will develop uneven tyre wear, your suspension quality will diminish and you'll likely experience steering problems. All of these dangers add more risk to you and those around you on the roads.

So, what comes first: wheel alignment or balancing? You'll most likely need wheel balancing first as your tires receive regular wear as you drive.

If your vehicle is out of alignment, uneven tire wear can occur, which can cause a vibration that is felt in your steering wheel. Steering wheel vibrations can also be because of unbalanced tires or a bent rim caused by hitting a curb or pothole.

If your body is misaligned you can feel pain in various parts of your body ranging from headaches to sore feet or discomfort in any joints, muscles or nerves in between. If you are experiencing any symptoms such as these you should contact us today: Chronic headaches. Stiff neck, sore shoulders.