How often should a car get an alignment

There are a lot of things to know about routine car maintenance. How often should you get your oil changed? When’s a good time to get new tires or brake pads? And the list goes on. What about your vehicle’s wheel alignment? How often should you check it? And what are some signs that your alignment is off? We have the answers for you!

As a general rule of thumb, your vehicle’s wheel alignment should be checked by a professional auto mechanic at least once per year. That being said, most recommended services (as well as the intervals) are outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, and it’s a good idea to adhere to what the manufacturer suggests for your specific model. However, if nothing specific is listed for wheel alignment, then stick to annual checks, such as when you have your tires rotated.

Need more help with vehicle maintenance? Check out the rest of our car service tips and tricks!

How to tell if your wheel alignment is off

There are a few signs that point to misaligned wheels. The most common one is your car pulling or drifting to one side, even when the steering wheel is centered. (Of course, another explanation for this is underinflated tires, so be sure to check your tire pressure first.) Wheel alignment can be thrown off by hitting a pothole or curb as well as a few other factors, such as bumping into parking stalls or basic wear and tear.

Where to get your wheels aligned in Vacaville, CA

If you are located in Vacaville, CA or the surrounding area, we invite you to have your wheel alignment checked right here at Toyota Vacaville. Our service technicians will make sure everything is aligned correctly and make any necessary corrections. We invite you to check out our current service specials and schedule a service appointment at your convenience.

When your tires are properly aligned, your vehicle drives straight and your ride feels smooth. But when your tire alignment is off, then your whole vehicle feels off.

Poor tire alignment causes your vehicle to veer to one side or the other, even on a straight and level road. This can cause your tires to wear out faster and affect your car’s responsiveness—ultimately putting your safety at risk!

So, when do you need a tire alignment? If you experience any veering or notice uneven wear on your tires, the answer is immediately.

Otherwise, the general rule for when you should get a tire alignment is once per year. But that doesn’t apply to every vehicle.

When might you need a tire alignment sooner?

Many situations can influence how often you should get a tire alignment. If you can answer "yes" to any of the following questions, it’s probably time to schedule a tire alignment sooner rather than later.

• Have you had new tires installed on your vehicle? This is the ideal opportunity for a tire alignment. You'll help your tires wear evenly from the get-go.
• Have you recently struck a pothole or curb? Such a shock to your car’s system can easily knock one or more tires out of alignment. Over time, a slight misalignment can cause a lot of uneven or premature tire wear.
• Do you regularly drive on poorly maintained roads with wheel ruts, cracks, and debris? Potholes aren't the only thing that can cause poor alignment. Rough travel can, too.
• Is your car considered “sporty” (along the lines of a Ford Mustang or Nissan 350Z) and does it have wider tires? Wider tires often require adjustments to multiple angles—the toe, camber, and caster—to ensure optimal tire alignment. Don’t worry about memorizing these angles, though. The seasoned pros at Tires Plus are ready to help!

Some conditions could result in less frequent tire alignments. If you don’t put many miles on your car—say, 6,000 or so in a year—you’re likely okay with a slightly broader tire alignment service time frame.

Don’t delay: align your tires today.

If you answered "yes" to any of our questions or can't remember the last time you had an alignment, schedule an appointment for an alignment check and service.

And then, relax. We're service people, not salespeople. That means you won’t have to deal with any hard sell. At your local Tires Plus, you’ll get tire alignment service, professional insight, and helpful tips from a skilled technician.

You may be wondering about the purpose of a front-end alignment? The purpose is three-fold—to keep the steering at the original manufacturers’ settings; to avoid inconsistent and uneven tire wear, and to assist in proper braking of your car.

It’s not a hard fast rule, but under normal driving conditions, a wheel alignment is recommended once or twice a year. However, this recommendation is flexible. If you drive often on particularly rough roads or are habitually hitting curbs, then you should probably have your car alignment checked more often. Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed length of time that your vehicle will stay in alignment. It can be easily put off with a single bump of a curb or the jolt of a large pothole.

Is a wheel alignment necessary when you get new tires?

The mounting of new tires can be a good opportunity to address alignment – especially if your old, dismounted tires are showing signs of uneven wear. Getting a wheel alignment will produce proper tire wear and longevity.

Do you need a front or four-wheel alignment?

This depends on your vehicle, and whether there are rear adjustments available on your vehicle. If the front and rear alignment adjustments are possible, then you'll want a four-wheel alignment. The price difference between front and four-wheel alignment services is not significant.

Maintaining proper car alignment, along with regular tire rotations, will keep your vehicle aligned within O.M.E. specifications; will provide proper vehicle handling; and ensure optimum tire wear and longevity.

Money spent on a wheel alignment is money well invested in proper car care, preventative maintenance and vehicle safety.

Do you know how often you should get an alignment? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about our car alignment services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How do I know if my car really needs an alignment?

Do I need an alignment after replacing tires?

How often should you align your tires?