If you drive a vehicle, wear and tear on your tires is a fact of life. In addition to reducing wear and tear, having your car aligned regularly can keep your car driving safe and smooth. Routine car maintenance such as car alignments can be expensive, and they range in price depending on where you live and the type of vehicle you have. Show
Research of alignment prices around the U.S. reveals that on average, an alignment costs between $107.89 and $126.61 . Find out how much an alignment costs in your area and learn why you might need one. Key Takeaways
Average Car Alignment CostsInformation from the United States Census Bureau (USCB), Kelley Blue Book, and Insurify was used to find the average alignment costs around the country. The USCB recognizes four regions and nine divisions in the U.S., which were used to narrow the search area. Random zip codes within the nine divisions were used in conjunction with the web-based Kelley Blue Book alignment cost estimation tool. The most preferred vehicles in each census division were used, and the data for the vehicles came from a report by Insurify. There was only $1 in the difference between the cars chosen to represent the costs—even four-wheel alignments—so only the low and high for preferred make and models are used. If you live in one of these areas, you'll likely pay within a few dollars of these prices for an alignment. Average Vehicle Alignment Prices by U.S. Census DivisionRegion Average LowAverage HighNew England$119.00$139.33Mid-Atlantic$114.67$134.67South-Atlantic$102.57$120.43East South Central$98.00$115.00East North Central$109.50$128.75West South Central$95.50$112.25West North Central $116.00$136.00Mountain $104.50$122.50Pacific $111.29$130.57Country-Wide$107.89$126.61 What Is a Car Alignment?As you might imagine, a car alignment requires aligning components of your vehicle to meet certain specifications. There are three parts the mechanic will inspect:
The mechanic may also analyze how well the vehicle drives on the road to check for issues and look for a vibrating or pulling steering wheel. Your suspension is also inspected to make sure there are no issues. The mechanic adjusts your car's caster, camber, and toe. After completing the adjustments, they use an alignment rack to make sure the alignment is correct; they may also take it for a test drive just to make sure. Do I Need a Car Alignment?You might need to get an alignment after hitting a pothole or if you notice a tugging on your steering wheel. Recommendations for alignment frequency vary—many automotive repair shops recommend you get it done every 6,000 miles or as needed. Some state agencies and other associations also publish guidance. For instance, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs advises an alignment every 10,000 miles or once a year. NoteCar experts recommended that you get your tires rotated every 5,000–8,000 miles. Signs You Need an Alignment
How Do I Choose the Best Place for a Car Alignment?Any established mechanic should be able to offer you a car alignment service. Many even give a free alignment check to let you know how badly you need one. To ensure your mechanic is qualified to safely complete a car alignment, verify that they are ASE certified. If a mechanic suggests you need expensive suspension work beyond the basic alignment, consider getting a second opinion from a different auto shop. Will Insurance Cover Car Alignment?If another driver hits you, their car insurance may cover the cost of your car alignment, depending on insurance laws in the state you live in. Your insurance probably won’t cover a routine car alignment. However, you might be able to get some financial assistance through your city or county governments if the alignment is part of greater damages caused by hitting a pothole. Most cities and states have procedures for drivers to file claims if there is damage caused by lack of repairs on a maintained road. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)What happens if tire alignment is off?You might feel the steering wheel pulling to one side. It can also affect braking and increase fuel consumption. How do you check your car alignment?Some telltale signs that your car is misaligned include the feeling that your vehicle is pulling to one side, uneven wear on your tires, or unusually loud road noise when driving. You can do some at-home tests for alignment, but it's best to have a mechanic inspect it with the right tools to fix the right problem. What does tire alignment do?A tire alignment ensures your tires are at the right angles for proper steering, better gas mileage, and less tire wear. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other SubmitSources The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Is it worth getting front wheel alignment?Wheel alignments are important because wheels that are out of alignment can cause issues such as making your tyres wear out quickly or unevenly, and lead to a less pleasant experience of driving or riding in your car.
How long does a frontHow Long Does a Front-End Alignment Take? A typical front-end alignment job takes about one hour at a shop with the right equipment and experienced technicians.
How do I know if I need an alignment?If you are driving on a straight and flat surface and briefly let go of the steering wheel, does your vehicle want to drift to the left or right? Do you have to constantly steer in the opposite direction to keep the vehicle driving straight? These are classic symptoms that the wheels are out of alignment.
How long does it take to align a car?Wheel alignment info
A skilled mechanic can do it in 30 to 60 minutes. There are some situations that take longer. For example, all-wheel drive and 4×4 vehicles are more work than two-wheel drive vehicles. It will also take more time if there are damaged parts.
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