How Often Should You Get an Alignment?
The answer to how often should you get an alignment really depends on how you use your vehicle. If you primarily drive on smooth well-maintained roads and highways you can probably get away with getting an alignment once every two years or so. But if you find yourself driving on a lot of rougher roads or if you frequently haul heavy loads or take your car off-roading you might need to get an alignment more often.
Most manufacturers recommend getting an alignment at least once a year and some even recommend getting one every 10000 miles. If you notice your car pulling to one side of the road or if your steering wheel isn’t level when you’re driving straight those are signs that your car might need an alignment.
If you do a lot of driving on rough roads you might need to get your alignment checked more often.
There are a few different types of alignments:
1. Four-wheel alignment: As the name suggests this type of alignment adjusts all four of your car’s wheels.
2. Front-end alignment: This type of alignment just adjusts the wheels on the front of your car.
3. Thrust alignment: This is a more specialized type of alignment that’s often used on rear-wheel drive cars.
Most alignment shops can do all three types of alignments but not all shops have the right equipment to do a thrust alignment.
The cost of an alignment varies depending on the type of alignment you need and the shop you go to but it typically costs between $100 and $200.
If you’re not sure whether your car needs an alignment the best thing to do is to take it to a trusted mechanic or alignment shop and have them take a look. They’ll be able to tell you for sure whether your car needs an alignment and if so which type of alignment is best for your car.
How often should you get an alignment?
Answer: Every 6 months or 10000 miles whichever comes first.
Why is it important to get an alignment?
Answer: Because it helps keep your car running straight and prevents uneven tire wear.
How much does an alignment usually cost?
Answer: Between $50 and $100.
What is the most common cause of needing an alignment?
Answer: Hitting a large pothole or curb.
What are the symptoms of a car that needs an alignment?
Answer: Uneven or rapid tire wear pulling to one side while driving and the steering wheel being off-center.
Will getting an alignment fix a pulled muscle in my back?
Answer: No that’s not what an alignment is for.
I just bought a new car does it need an alignment?
Answer: It might it depends on how the car was driven and stored before you got it.
I hit a big rock on the highway do I need an alignment?
Answer: Yes you should get it checked out.
I’ve had my car for a while and it’s never needed an alignment why would it need one now?
Answer: Over time your car’s suspension components can settle and cause it to need an alignment.
I just had new tires put on do I need an alignment?
Answer: It’s possible but not necessarily.
I just had my shocks/struts replaced do I need an alignment?
Answer: Yes any time you work on your car’s suspension it will likely need an alignment afterwards.
I just had an oil change do I need an alignment?
Answer: No an oil change has nothing to do with an alignment.
I think my car needs an alignment but I’m not sure what should I do?
Answer: The best thing to do would be to take it to a mechanic or tire shop and have them take a look.
I know I need an alignment but I don’t have the money for it right now is it okay to wait?
Answer: It’s not ideal but it’s not the end of the world if you have to wait a little while.
Just be aware that your tires will wear out more quickly in the meantime.
I got an alignment and now my car is shaking what’s wrong?
Answer: It’s possible that something else was wrong with your car and the shaking wasn’t related to the alignment.
Or it’s possible that the mechanic didn’t do the alignment properly.
Either way you should take it back and have them take a look.
