Wheel Alignment: 6 Signs You Need One and What It Costs
You need a wheel alignment if your car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is off center when you drive straight, or your tires wear on the inner or outer edges. Get one checked after hitting a curb or large pothole, after suspension or steering work, and when you buy new tires. The listed price for a complete wheel alignment on AppointAuto is $99.00; each shop sets its own final price.
Six signs
- The car pulls or drifts to one side on a straight, flat road.
- The steering wheel is crooked when the car goes straight.
- The inner or outer edge of a tire wears faster than the middle.
- Tread blocks feel feathered (smooth one way, sharp the other) when you run a hand across them.
- The steering feels loose or wanders.
- Tires squeal in normal, slow turns.
What the angles mean
| Angle | What it is | Wrong setting causes |
|---|---|---|
| Toe | Whether the fronts of the tires point in or out, seen from above | Fast, feathered wear; the most common problem |
| Camber | Inward or outward tilt of the tire, seen from the front | Wear on one edge; pulling |
| Caster | Forward or backward tilt of the steering axis, seen from the side | Pulling; poor steering return |
Before you book
Ask for the printed before-and-after alignment readings. A good shop gives them to you. If a suspension part is worn or bent, the shop should give you a written estimate before replacing it (your rights).
Find a shop
- Tire shops in Los Angeles — 1 listing
- Tire shops in Oakland — 1 listing
- Tire shops in San Francisco — 1 listing
- Tire shops in San Jose — 1 listing
- Tire shops in Santa Clara — 1 listing
- Tire shops in Sunnyvale — 1 listing
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get an alignment?
There is no fixed interval for every car. Have it checked once a year or every 12,000 miles or so, and whenever you notice pulling, an off-center steering wheel or uneven tire wear.
What is the difference between a two-wheel and four-wheel alignment?
A front-end (two-wheel) alignment adjusts only the front wheels. A four-wheel alignment also sets the rear wheels and is needed for most modern cars with independent rear suspension and for all-wheel drive.
Can a pothole knock my alignment out?
Yes. A hard hit on a pothole or curb can bend suspension parts or shift the alignment. If the car drives differently afterward, have it checked; a bent part must be replaced before the car can be aligned properly.
Does an alignment fix vibration?
Usually not. Vibration at speed is most often a balancing problem. See balancing vs alignment.
Related guides
- Tire Balancing vs Wheel Alignment: What Is the Difference? — Balancing fixes vibration by evening out weight around the wheel; alignment fixes pulling and uneven wear by correcting wheel angles. How to tell which one you need.
- When to Replace Tires: Tread Depth, the Penny Test and California Law — California's legal minimum is 1/32 inch, but wet grip fades long before. The penny and quarter tests, wear bars and other reasons to replace.
- How Much Does It Cost to Install New Tires? Mounting, Balancing and Extras — What a tire installation includes, the extra line items to expect (valve stems, TPMS service, disposal, state tire fee), and how to compare quotes.