Wheel Alignment Information, Pricing & Cost Estimates
What is a Wheel Alignment?
An alignment is the process of making sure all four wheels point in the same direction so the vehicle will drive straight and not drift. Performing this service regularly (yearly or after the vehicle starts drifting) will extend the life of your tires. Alignment is measured in degrees of camber (tire leaning inward or outward), caster (forward or backward slope of steering components in relation to the McPherson struts), and toe (the direction the tires are pointing). Toe-in means that the tires are pointing inward; toe-out means that the tires are pointing outward. Most vehicles are “averaged” for everyday driving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheel Alignments
DOES MY VEHICLE NEED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT?
Here’s how you can tell: Maybe your vehicle drifts left or right (especially when you apply the brakes), you notice you need a lot of steering effort while driving down the highway to keep you in your lane, or you may feel a bit of shimmy and shake from the steering wheel. These are all clear signs that you may need an alignment.
A vehicle out of alignment can result in excessive tire wear. When the wheels aren’t lined up straight, there’s a constant scuff that works against normal tread wear. You’ll notice that the tire tread is disappearing prematurely and unevenly across the tire’s surface. This also can cause a loss of traction, especially in wet conditions. Uneven tire wear, if ignored, can also contribute to premature tire failure or a blowout.
Imperfections in the road surfaces could be your vehicle’s worst enemy in keeping proper alignment. If you regularly drive on poorly maintained roads or one riddled with potholes or accidentally hit a curb or a parking bumper, you may knock your vehicle out of alignment.
But even before you take the car in, perform a check of your tire’s inflation. Having one tire measure substantially more or less than what the owner’s manual calls for could cause the same effect of drifting left or right or vibration in the steering.
HOW OFTEN DOES MY VEHICLE NEED AN ALIGNMENT?
It is recommended to have an alignment check annually as part of preventative maintenance. Interval for wheel alignment can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle you own, your driving habits, and other factors. Regardless, don’t let your vehicle go more than 10,000 miles without having someone check the alignment. It’s a good idea to have your tires checked for alignment bi-annually, or any time you have your tires rotated.
The other time you should absolutely have your tires aligned is when you replace them. Properly balanced and aligned when placed on your vehicle, this will ensure they wear evenly from the start. Placing new tires on an improperly aligned vehicle will end up costing you more in the long run, because your new tires will continue to wear in the same manner as the previous set.
The good news is the certified trained service staff here at Land Rover Naperville will review your entire service needs anytime you’re in for service.
HOW MUCH DOES A WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEAR ME COST?
As much as we would like to provide an exact cost, the price of a car alignment depends upon what type of alignment your car needs. A car that requires a four-wheel alignment will likely cost more than an automobile that just requires a two-wheel alignment. As an estimate, a wheel alignment can cost you anywhere from $150 to $300, depending on the model. Labor costs are estimated between $122 and $154. This range does not include taxes and fees and does not factor in your unique location or related repairs that may also be needed.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DO A WHEEL ALIGNMENT?
Under normal circumstances, a wheel alignment will take an average of one hour, whether it’s a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle. If there’s too much wear and tear or damage on the suspension system, steering bushing, track rod, or other parts, it will take longer as some components must be replaced.
The best advice is to bring it to us, our skilled service professionals can give you a quote customized for your car and its demands. To learn more about the cost involved simply contact us by calling 630.413.0694 or submit an inquiry. Or if you’re ready to schedule your Wheel Alignment today, schedule your service now below.
This is where you belong, no matter how many miles your vehicle has traveled to get here. At Land Rover Naperville, you’ll benefit from the expertise of our trained mechanics, the quality of Original Parts, and transparent, up-front pricing that fits you and your vehicle.