Make sure you are getting regular wheel alignments as part of your routine auto maintenance. This is a straightforward process, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
How Much Time Does It Take To Align Tires?
When the car is brought into the tire shop, the wheel alignment typically takes thirty to sixty minutes. But the length of time your car needs to be in the shop can vary depending on the alignment type, vehicle type, component condition, and technician experience.
You also need to think about how long it will take to get your wheels aligned. There will be a wait before the car is taken in if there are other customers waiting before you.
We explain what a wheel alignment is and how long it takes in this guide. We also examine the variables that impact the duration and indicate the recommended interval between procedures. Finally, we also discuss the approximate cost of tire alignment so that you can plan your budget appropriately.
Wheel alignment: What Is It?
Making sure that every wheel is parallel to the road and each other is known as tire alignment. The wheels are aligned using sophisticated calibration to guarantee that the tires are positioned correctly. A proper wheel alignment requires a specialized alignment machine, which makes it challenging to accomplish at home.
The suspension angles and positioning are changed during a wheel alignment until everything aligns. The kind of alignment required varies depending on the kind of car you drive. No matter how many tires are being serviced, the fundamentals of auto alignment service stay the same.
Variables Impacting Wheel Alignment Duration
1. Alignment Type
Wheel alignments come in various forms, and some require more time than others. For instance, a four-wheel alignment is typically required if your car has all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
It goes without saying that the longer you spend at the shop, the more tires that need to be aligned. It’s possible that you just require a front-end alignment if your car has front- or rear-wheel drive. Not only is this the less expensive choice, it’s also the quickest.
Additionally, a Toe-n-Go alignment is an option. Shops will offer front wheel quick toe angle adjustments. This is the most common problem, and it can be fixed in roughly fifteen minutes. But, the best shop won’t provide this kind of alignment because, in the opinion of industry experts, it’s not the right way to handle the tires.
This is primarily due to the possibility of wear and tear from a wheel misalignment caused by the caster and camber angles, which are not adjusted for this kind of service.
2. Vehicle Type
Although it might seem counterintuitive, not all cars are easy to align, and this can impact how long you spend at the shop. You will spend less time at the shop for a wheel alignment if you drive a compact sedan with 15″ wheels as opposed to a heavy-duty pickup with 33″ wheels, which will take longer.
In order to align the car, the shop also needs to have easy access to the different suspension system parts underneath the car. When compared to other vehicles, certain ones have easier access to the tie rods and other parts. When you schedule an appointment, ask the tire shop how difficult it is to work on your car.
3. Condition of the Component
To estimate how long the alignment might take, first take into account the model year of your car. The alignment may go more quickly if you are driving a 2020 car as opposed to a 2002 car. The likelihood of rusted or seized bolts or nuts increases with the length of time the suspension components have been on the car. The alignment takes longer because of these issues.
Furthermore, prior to the alignment, you might need to have some of the suspension parts fixed or replaced if the technician finds that they are damaged. Wheel alignment is pointless for a car with a malfunctioning suspension system.
4. Technician Experience
It could take longer to get the alignment fixed if you go to a shop that employs entry-level technicians. There will be a learning curve because these technicians are still getting to know the sophisticated machinery. These stores, of course, have some of the best prices, so you have to decide if the extra effort is worth the savings.
However, you will receive the fastest wheel alignment possible if you visit a shop with decades of experience and ASE-certified mechanics. They are skilled at precisely locking and aligning the wheels and brakes so that the outcome is favorable. However, you should be ready to shell out a lot of money for this kind of experience. If your time is money and being at the shop prevents you from working, then it’s worth paying more.
How Frequently Do I Need a Wheel Alignment?
Every 6,000 miles or so, depending on the kind of car you drive and the manufacturer’s recommendations, you may need a wheel alignment. But you should make sure to get one at least once a year, particularly if you know you’ve been going over big bumps or potholes a little too quickly.
How Much Does It Cost to Align Tires?
Wheel alignment is often charged at a flat rate by shops, depending on the kind of car you drive. You might have to pay about $200 to have all four wheels aligned. The cost, however, varies depending on the type of repair shop you visit.
You might be able to negotiate a better price if the tire store offers a package deal. Many of these packages are available at stores that sell new tires. Services like road hazard, alignment, rotation, and balancing can be paid for in advance. Pre-purchasing these services often pays off, especially when you consider how many visits you will make over the life of the tires. Consider the plan to be a kind of tire insurance for your vehicle.
Heath’s Auto Service In Flagstaff, AZ
At Heath’s Auto Service, our expertise isn’t limited by make or model — we handle them all. Whether you drive a vintage classic or the latest high-tech marvel, our team is adept at providing top-tier auto repair services tailored to your vehicle’s unique needs. From routine maintenance to intricate repairs, we’ve got you covered. Request an appointment with our experienced team right here!
