Average Wheel Alignment Costs (Are You Paying Too Much?)
Does your vehicle pull to one side, show uneven tire wear, get poor gas mileage, or have a slightly crooked steering wheel? It may have bad wheel alignment. Understanding average costs of an alignment can help you budget for this service.
This article provides a breakdown of average prices, the best places to get an alignment, what’s actually included, and whether insurance covers alignments. Yes, an alignment is an additional expense, but you’ll end up paying much more in the long run if you skip it.
Related: Wheel Spacers (Are They Safe?)
Cost of a Typical Wheel Alignment
The average wheel alignment cost varies with the car model and the professional mechanic servicing your vehicle as well as the equipment used by them. Depending on where you go, the average cost of aligning the front or rear wheels of most vehicles range from $50 to $100.
Expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $200 to align all four wheels. A complete 4-wheel alignment is always recommended for best results.
The two biggest factors in the final cost of a wheel alignment are the vehicle in question and the service center you go to.
Many luxury and performance vehicles require special tools and computers to perform an alignment and may take more time than others.
While a car dealership will obviously be able to perform alignments on their vehicle brand, not all independent shops will be able to handle every make and model. Generally you will pay the most for a wheel alignment at a dealership.
You will often get the lowest wheel alignment price at superstores that have an auto repair department such as Costco or Walmart. After that, chains such as Firestone, Goodyear, Discount Tire, and Pep Boys will all be in about the same price range.
A specialty alignment shop is usually the best place to go for a tire alignment as they are the experts and often have the latest and best alignment equipment around.
Keep in mind that during the alignment process, the technician may find other parts in need of repair or replacement. You can usually get these taken care of as well but the price of an alignment job can quickly go from $150 to $500 if other repairs are needed.
Some service providers can perform a one time alignment that’s covered under your car warranty depending on the specific mileage of the car. Some companies can allow you to perform wheel alignments free of charge after extending your warranty or any extra alignments for a definite period.
Read Also: Average Cost to Fix a Bent Rim
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
When you take your vehicle in for a wheel alignment, you might end up getting an unexpected expense so it pays to be aware of these potential hidden costs to avoid surprises at the checkout counter.
- Suspension Repairs – This one comes up frequently, especially if you don’t stay on top of regular maintenance. During an alignment, technicians often find worn or damaged suspension components. It should go without saying that these parts will need replacement before a proper alignment can be performed. Common parts include:
- Worn ball joints
- Damaged tie rods
- Worn control arm bushings
- Bent or worn steering components
- Tire Replacement – If your tires show severe uneven wear due to long-term misalignment, you might need to replace them. Tires aren’t cheap these days so expect your bill to increase significantly.
- Wheel Balancing – While not always necessary, wheel balancing is sometimes recommended alongside an alignment, especially if it wasn’t properly done the last time your tires were replaced. This service typically adds $40 to $100 to your bill, depending on the shop and number of wheels.
- Steering System Adjustments – Some vehicles require various adjustments to the steering system during alignment. This is typically billed at the shop’s hourly rate.
- Specialized Equipment Fees – Luxury or high-performance vehicles often require specialized alignment equipment. Some shops may charge extra for the use of this equipment although the price you were quoted should already include this.
- Four-Wheel Alignment Upgrade – If you initially request a front-end alignment, the technician might recommend a four-wheel alignment for better results or out of necessity. This upgrade will increase the cost.
- Diagnostic Fees – Some shops charge a diagnostic fee to inspect your vehicle before performing the alignment. This fee may or may not be applied to the final service cost. If you stick to a reputable shop, you shouldn’t expect a surprise here.
- Computer Recalibration – Modern vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) may require recalibration of sensors and cameras after an alignment, adding to the overall cost. With technology advancements, various systems recalibration will become more commonplace.
To avoid surprises, ALWAYS ask for a detailed estimate before authorizing any work. Request that the shop contact you for approval before performing any additional repairs or services beyond the initial alignment.
Wheel Alignment Frequency
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how often to get an alignment. Some shops (especially tire/wheel shops) will recommend an annual or even twice-a-year wheel alignment. But that generally unnecessary for most and you’ll just be wasting money.
Many mechanics recommend getting a wheel alignment every 2-3 years or every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. That’s pretty sound advice but there are certain factors that may necessitate more frequent alignments:
- You live or drive in an area with fairly rough/bumpy roads and lots of potholes.
- You’ve had any type of suspension work done on your vehicle.
- You’ve had new tires installed. (an alignment is required but it should definitely be checked)
- You drive a car or truck with a performance-tuned suspension.
- You notice common signs of misalignment such as uneven tire wear, vehicle pulling to one side, or a crooked steering wheel (among other symptoms).
What Is Included With an Alignment?
When you take your car or truck in for an alignment, the mechanic will check three important parameters: the caster, camber, and toe. Using various equipment, they will ensure the angles of all parameters are set to factory specifications for your vehicle.
Once that’s done, they will test everything on an alignment rack and usually take the vehicle for a short test drive to confirm it tracks straight, handles well, and there are no vibrations from the steering wheel.
Does Car Insurance Cover Wheel Alignments?
Since a tire alignment is common act of maintenance, insurance companies will not cover the price of the alignment in most cases. The exception is when your vehicle is involved in an accident.
In most cases, a complete 4-wheel alignment will need to be done after all repairs. The insurance company, whether yours or the other person’s, will almost always cover the cost of the alignment.
Some insurance companies may argue a small fender bender would not affect alignment but you should push back as even a small angle change in camber, caster, or toe can cause big issues for you down the road.
He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.
When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.
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can you still align a tire using the spare (aka donut) since never mention on any books or magazines…