Wheel alignment info Getting a wheel alignment is relatively quick and inexpensive. 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.
Estimated Duration for Different Types of Alignments
On average, a two-wheel or front-end alignment might take about 30 to 60 minutes, while a four-wheel alignment could take 60 to 90 minutes. However, these are general estimates, and the actual duration can be different based on your vehicle and the alignment center.
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 have to be replaced.
Having your wheel alignment and balancing checked when you replace all four tires is vital, which adds up to the time. So expect to spend at least 1 hour on the tire installation, wheel balancing, and alignment.
Typically, it is recommended to get your wheels aligned every 2 to 3 years. However, to ensure the optimal safety of your car, yourself and others around you, it is best to opt for a wheel alignment every time you go to change your oil of the vehicle.
Continuing to drive a vehicle with bad alignment will: Wear out your tires faster and even permanently damage them. Increase friction on your tires, making them less fuel efficient. Make steering difficult to control and may put you at risk of an accident.
Most modern vehicles — cars, small SUVs, crossovers, and vans — require a four-wheel alignment, as do all-wheel-drive equipped models. The general rule of thumb is that if you can align all four tires, you should.
Generally speaking, you'll want to get your vehicle's wheels at least checked for proper alignment once a year or every other oil change. If you're looking for a numerical value, most tire professionals will cite the 6,000-mile figure as a rule of thumb.
We recommend an alignment after the installation of new tires. This helps you get the most life from your new tires. Wheel alignment checks are always advised after a significant impact or uneven tire wear is detected.
One of the easiest signs to identify is when your car pulls to a particular side when driving. It's normal for slight pulling to the left or right, however if you find you have to constantly steer to keep straight - you've likely got an alignment problem.
The general rule of thumb for scheduling a wheel alignment is every 6,000 miles. If you wait too long, your tires can start to wear unevenly. Tire alignment can be affected if the tires shift even a tenth of a degree or hundredth of an inch. As time goes on, this misalignment can cause premature and uneven wear.
A normal car alignment (whether a two wheel or a four wheel), will take on average about one hour, not including waiting time. If there is any damage or too much play on any ball joint, track rod, suspension or steering bushing, then it could take longer as various components may need to be replaced.
A wheel alignment is done using an alignment machine that measures your wheel angles. These are calculated and compared against your vehicle's original specifications. The technician makes adjustments to the camber, caster, and toe of each wheel as needed.
YOU COULD END UP WITH A FLAT TIRE, EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR, OR A BLOWOUT. When you don't keep up with wheel alignment, your tires are the first place to feel the consequences. Good wheel alignment helps each tire have even contact with the road, so when alignment is askew your tires will wear unevenly.
One of the most notable dangers of not getting a wheel alignment is the risk you put yourself and others in. Without a wheel alignment, your tyres will develop uneven tyre wear, your suspension quality will diminish and you'll likely experience steering problems.
An alignment does not require removing the wheels. The equipment is attached to the wheels while they are in place.
While it's possible to do a DIY alignment at home, it's best to have a mechanic do it for you at a service center near you. You can do the wheel alignment separately or as part of your annual tire care service and vehicle maintenance at Tom Kadlec Kia.
If two of your tires wear out faster, it may only be necessary to replace those two instead of replacing all four. If you do, it's important to have the two new tires installed on the back and the partially worn tires moved to the front – even on front-wheel-drive vehicles.
An alignment essentially requires squaring a car's wheels and axles with each other so that they're moving in the same direction. The mechanic adjusts the various suspension angles — known as toe, thrust, camber and caster— that influence tire movement and position.
First and perhaps most commonly, sudden jarring or heavy impact can cause components to bend or shift out of place. Things like hitting potholes, bumping curbs, or even minor accidents are all common causes of one or more of your wheels coming out of alignment.
If your car's wheels are out of alignment, it's harder to steer. You may even find yourself holding the steering wheel at an awkward angle to drive the car straight, or veering from side to side. This lack of control increases your likelihood of being involved in an accident.
An alignment is a crucial part of car maintenance, and it directly impacts your vehicle's performance. Alignment affects everything from the wear on your tires to your fuel efficiency and performance. Here's everything you need to know about the difference between a two-wheel and a four-wheel alignment.
Typically, if your vehicle is an all-wheel-drive model comprising independent suspensions, it will need a 4-wheel alignment. Service consists of a caster and front toe adjustment. For the rear wheels, they'll receive a camber and toe adjustment.
A thrust angle alignment is recommended for vehicles that have independent rear suspensions. If any of the wheels have incorrect toe, or if your vehicle handles differently when turning in one direction versus the other, then a thrust angle alignment will likely solve the problem.