Alignment
Short & Sweet
Purpose:
An alignment returns the suspension to the proper position, this includes the wheels, axles and steering wheel.
Symptoms you need an alignment:
1. Uneven tire wear.
2. Your car is pulling to one side.
Care & Repair:
When to Have Your Alignment Adjusted:
1. When you change your tires.
2. When you have your car struts changed.
3. When you notice uneven wear on your tires.
4. If you notice your car pulling to one side.
5. Once per year.
Cost: $50 – $120
Purpose
During a wheel alignment the mechanic works through a several step process of adjusting the car’s suspension and returning it to its proper configuration and positioning. This is done with the overall goal that the wheels will be aligned with each other as well as the road surface. The car’s axels and wheels should be squared so that they are all working together in the same direction. The steering wheel should also be centered during this process.
Care & Repair
Most tire manufacturers recommend that you have your car aligned once a year. You might as well have the car aligned, as opposed to just having it checked. In 99% of cases, the repair shop will find something to adjust.
When to Have Your Alignment Adjusted:
1. When you change your tires.
2. When you have your car struts changed.
3. When you notice uneven wear on your tires.
4. If you notice your car pulling to one side.
5. Once per year.
Cost
$50 – $120
In a front wheel drive vehicle or a rear wheel drive vehicle, one axle is adjusted. For an all wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, two axles are adjusted, which may cost a little more.
