My Car Needs an Alignment | What Is a Car Alignment?

Most people know that I know about cars, but they always seem to find a way to try and diagnose their car problems by saying and asking me indirect questions like my car needs an alignment.

I ask how do you know that your car needs an alignment? I get a blank steer, and then I get the next question. I am not a mechanic, by the way, what is a car alignment?

What is a car alignment?

Accurate car alignment is an important part of car maintenance in order to avoid excessive wear on the tires of your vehicle and various components of your car in general.

In simple terms, car alignment is the process of adjusting the wheels to manufacture wheel alignment specifications in degrees, so that the wheel can be in line with the body of the vehicle minimizing tire wear and increase driving stability while driving.

How much does wheel alignment cost?

Wheel alignment cost can vary depending on if you choose to do a two wheel alignment or a four wheel alignment.

Some cars only require a two wheel alignment because there is no adjustment at the rear wheels, meaning less work for the repair shop which then makes your alignment cost cheaper.

Most repair shops vary their alignment cost based on the rim size. Most may have a standard cost for rim sizes ranging from ’14inch rim-19 rim for a set price of about 50. Any rims ’20 inches and high can pay as much as $150-200 ouch!

1. Two-wheel alignment cost

$20-$50

1. Four wheel alignment cost

$75-$150

How do I know if my car needs an alignment?

Were you ever driving your car and noticed your steering wheel did not match the direction that the car was driving in? That’s on sure indication that your car needs an alignment.

wheel alignment symptoms

• A vehicle pulling to the left or right.
• Uneven or rapid tire wear.
• Your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight.
• Squealing tires.