Wheel Alignment Information, Pricing & Cost Estimates

What is a Wheel Alignment?

An alignment is the process of making sure all 4 wheels point in the same direction, which will cause the vehicle to 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

Do I need a wheel alignment?

Here's how you can tell: Maybe your vehicle drifts left or right, especially when you apply the brakes. Or 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 do I 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 our certified trained service staff here at all Patrick Cars locations in Schaumburg and Naperville, IL will review all of your vehicles service needs anytime you're in for service.

How much does a wheel alignment near me cost?

Wheel alignments for a BMW, MINI Cooper, Cadillac, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Hyundai or Genesis vary and can cost you anywhere from $150 to $300 depending on the model. This range does not include taxes, 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'll take a longer time 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.

Schedule your BMW, MINI, Cadillac, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Hyundai or Genesis maintenance at our repair shops today by calling 888-858-7418, or if you're ready to schedule a wheel alignment today, select the appropriate dealership below.

Have questions? Simply submit an inquiry.

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