Wheel Alignment Prices & Cost Estimates (2024)

FAQs

Wheel Alignment Prices & Cost Estimates? ›

The national average for a complete wheel alignment service is between $50 to $168. Although, cost can vary depending on the service provider and the type of alignment. Wheel alignment should be performed once a year, but it may be required more frequently, depending on your driving style and where you drive.

The cost of an alignment depends on several factors: The number of wheels. A front-end alignment, which involves only the two wheels on the front of the car, typically costs anywhere from $50 to $75. Four-wheel alignments cost more, usually $100 to $175.

Brand new wheel alignment equipment can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $34,000, depending on the features and capabilities you need for your business. If you run a larger automotive shop, you may even need to consider purchasing more than one machine.

A front-end alignment usually costs between $65 and $100 (some brands, of course, are more). At that price, it should be a regular part of your car care regime. To make an alignment even more economical, some car care facilities offer lifetime alignment packages for around $200.

An alignment is not a time-consuming procedure and should typically take an hour or less. A four-wheel alignment (as opposed to a front-wheel one) will take a little longer, and if the mechanic finds broken or worn-out parts in the suspension system, replacing them will take longer as well.

Prices vary from shop to shop, as well as by region. Expect to pay between $75 and $150 in most cases.

That's because some vehicles require specialized equipment or have engineering designs that make the job more difficult and time consuming. While performing the alignment, the technician may find that more work — like tire balancing or car suspension repairs — is needed.

Alignments are Worth Every Penny

Vehicle maintenance is a necessary burden for anyone who wants to keep their auto running for as long as possible. The prospect of spending around $70 to $100 or more for a wheel alignment can be frustrating, but it's money well spent.

Wheel Alignment Factors. 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.

Is there a difference between a wheel alignment and a front-end alignment? ›

A front end alignment only adjusts the angles of the suspension components in the front of the vehicle. On the other hand, a wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the suspension components in all four wheels. It checks and adjusts the alignment angles of both the front and rear wheels.

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.

Depending on your vehicle's make and model, where you live and the type of alignment your car needs, you should expect to pay from $100 to $200. But some luxury car owners could pay $300 or more for a four-wheel alignment.

Driving a car with bad alignment is never recommended and can cause more than just an annoying driving experience. Doing so could lead to reduced fuel economy, expensive tire replacement costs, and steering concerns that could put you, your passengers, and other motorists at risk.

While both services contribute to a smoother ride, tire balancing and wheel alignment are not the same services. A tire balance corrects the weight imbalance on your tire and wheel assemblies, while an alignment corrects the angles of the tires so they always come in contact with the road in the right way.

An alignment fee is a phrase used by accountants when they are on-boarding a client partway through their year. It describes the missed payments for services that would have been charged over the full 12-month period, such as annual accounts.

That's because some vehicles require specialized equipment or have engineering designs that make the job more difficult and time consuming. While performing the alignment, the technician may find that more work — like tire balancing or car suspension repairs — is needed.