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Home / Symptoms / Wheel Alignment Cost

The cost of a wheel alignment is typically $150 but it can vary if you want an inspection in your drivetrain and suspension system to investigate what caused the misalignment

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How Much is a Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment Cost

A wheel alignment for non-luxury vehicle brands like Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford is typically between $130 and $220, depending on the vehicle model.

For higher-end vehicles like performance cars and luxury SUVs, the prices are not so different. For example, a wheel alignment can fall around the $160 - $220 range on a 2024 Mercedes-Benz E350.

What are the costs of a wheel alignment?

A wheel alignment goes beyond just having the wheels aligned. Let’s break down the costs involved in a wheel alignment:

The labor rate: Labor rates change between professionals (ASE technicians charge more than rookie mechanics) and wage differences for areas.
The shop’s neighborhood/area: The area will determine the replacement cost. For example, Santa Barbara in California has prices different from Albuquerque in New Mexico; this could be due to lease rates, cost of living, etc.
The vehicle type: European brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc., might have different prices for a wheel alignment. For example, a Porsche 911 wheel alignment can typically start at $350.

Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

Do you notice your car pulling to one side when driving straight?

This is a classic sign of misalignment. It suggests the wheels aren’t angled evenly, causing the car to drift without steering input.

Is your steering wheel tilted or off-center even when the car is going straight?

A misaligned steering wheel often means the wheels aren’t tracking properly and need to be realigned to the centerline of the car.

Have you seen uneven wear on your tires, like more wear on the inside or outside edges?

Misalignment causes the tires to make uneven contact with the road, leading to irregular tread wear that can shorten tire life.

Have you recently hit a pothole, curb, or driven over a rough bump?

Impacts like these can knock your wheels out of alignment, even if the car feels fine at first.

Do you feel vibration or shaking in the steering wheel while driving?

While this can also come from unbalanced tires, misaligned wheels can create uneven forces that cause noticeable vibration.

Is it harder to keep your car driving straight without constantly adjusting the wheel?

If you have to keep correcting your direction, it’s likely your wheels aren’t pointing where they should, which is often due to alignment issues.

What is a wheel alignment, and why is it important?

A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your car’s wheels so they all point in the correct direction. Proper alignment helps your car drive straight, reduces tire wear, improves fuel efficiency, and keeps your steering stable and responsive.

How much does a wheel alignment usually cost?

A standard wheel alignment typically costs between $75 and $150 depending on your vehicle type, whether it’s a two-wheel or four-wheel alignment, and where you go. Luxury vehicles or those with advanced systems may cost more. Some shops also offer lifetime alignment packages for a higher upfront price.

What’s the difference between a two-wheel and four-wheel alignment?

A two-wheel alignment (also called a front-end alignment) only adjusts the front wheels. A four-wheel alignment adjusts all four wheels and is common for vehicles with all-wheel or four-wheel drive, or cars with independent rear suspension. The shop will tell you which type your vehicle needs.

How do I know if my car needs an alignment?

You might need an alignment if:

Your car pulls to one side while driving.
The steering wheel is off-center.
You notice uneven tire wear.
The car vibrates or feels loose while steering.
You recently hit a pothole or curb.

Even if none of these are obvious, getting an alignment check once a year is a good habit—especially if you drive often or on rough roads.

How long does a wheel alignment take?

Most alignments take about 30 minutes to an hour. It may take longer if other issues are found, like worn suspension parts that need replacing before the alignment can be done.

Can I drive with bad wheel alignment?

You can, but it’s not a good idea. Misalignment causes tires to wear unevenly and faster, which can be costly. It also affects handling and safety, especially in emergencies or bad weather. Driving too long like this can damage other suspension parts over time.

Will a wheel alignment fix a shaky steering wheel?

Sometimes, but not always. Shaking can be caused by unbalanced tires, bent rims, worn suspension parts, or alignment issues. It’s best to have a mechanic check it out to be sure.

Do I need an alignment after getting new tires?

Yes, it’s a smart move. Aligning your wheels when you install new tires helps them wear evenly right from the start, which helps protect your investment.

Can an alignment be done at home?

Not accurately. A proper alignment requires special equipment to measure wheel angles precisely. Some visual checks can hint at issues, but actual adjustments should be done by a professional shop.

Are there more costs to consider besides common alignment costs?

Yes, the common alignment costs are expected in any wheel alignment. But you might get a better-specialized service, depending on what you want to achieve with your vehicle.

Here are the possible types of service you can get.

“Just” a fix: This means you just need the wheel alignment and nothing else. The downside is that you might not discover what caused the wheels to go bad in the first place. So, let’s assume there’s a problem somewhere else in your car that’s forcing the wheels to lose alignment faster. In this situation, an alignment won’t solve the issue; it might just make you return to the shop shortly to have another alignment. Going with this type of service probably won’t have extra costs besides the common ones at first. But it may mean you’ll spend way more than expected if the wheels keep getting out of alignment.
Long-lasting fix: This means you want to permanently fix your vehicle and understand what might be wrong with it. So, you want to investigate if there’s an issue causing your wheels to misalign faster than expected. You’re willing to spend more money to cover extra processes that ensure your car runs safely and reliably.

Costs of a long-lasting wheel alignment

In addition to the common alignment costs, a long-lasting alignment has more factors that change the final price. Here’s what you can initially expect:

Suspension and drivetrain system inspection: A suspension system inspection usually costs below $200. This is an investigation of the suspension and drivetrain system components that involves the labor of service advisors and mechanics.
Component replacements: The inspection might indicate worn and affected components that require replacement. This depends on the specific condition of the vehicle.
Other system repairs: The shop might find other malfunctioning systems affected by the problem that require replacements and/or computer reprogramming. For example, replacing parts of the brake and steering systems that are worn out due to a bad wheel alignment can cost north of $1,000.

Symptoms of a bad wheel alignment

A bad wheel alignment can cause excessive vibrations, vehicle pulling to one side while driving, squealing noises, and more. Let’s explore these symptoms in detail:

The car pulls to one side – The vehicle drifts left or right even when the steering wheel is straight.
Uneven tire wear – Tread is worn more on one side or in specific spots, indicating misalignment.
Steering wheel off-center – The wheel isn’t centered when driving straight.
Vibrations in the steering wheel – You feel shaking or vibration while driving, especially at higher speeds.
Loose or unresponsive steering – Steering feels sloppy or doesn’t respond as expected.
Squealing tires – Tires make noise, especially during turns, due to the improper angle of contact.
Rapid tire wear – Tires wear out faster than normal, often costing more in replacements.
Crooked steering wheel after hitting a bump or pothole – A sudden misalignment can follow a road impact.

What’s at risk with a misaligned wheel?

Some other car parts that work together with the wheels will suffer. Here are some of these parts and how much they might add to the repair cost if the wheel alignment isn’t dealt with quickly:

Tires – $100 to $300 each
Suspension bushings – $100 to $400
Tie rods – $150 to $500
Ball joints – $200 to $600
Control arms – $300 to $750
Wheel bearings – $250 to $600
Steering rack – $500 to $1,200

You’ll run safety risks if your vehicle keeps driving with a bad wheel alignment. Here are some unexpected things that can go wrong:

Reduced steering control – Misaligned wheels can make your car harder to handle, especially in emergency maneuvers.
Longer stopping distance – Uneven tire contact with the road reduces braking efficiency.
Increased risk of tire blowouts – Uneven wear weakens parts of the tire, making it more likely to fail suddenly.
Poor traction in rain or snow – Tires that wear unevenly can lose grip, increasing the chance of skidding or hydroplaning.
Faster suspension wear – Damaged suspension parts can break or fail while driving, causing loss of control.
Unexpected lane drifting – If the car pulls to one side, it can drift unexpectedly into another lane without warning.

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Pinpoint the Issue

Do you notice your car pulling to one side when driving straight?

This is a classic sign of misalignment. It suggests the wheels aren’t angled evenly, causing the car to drift without steering input.
Is your steering wheel tilted or off-center even when the car is going straight?

A misaligned steering wheel often means the wheels aren’t tracking properly and need to be realigned to the centerline of the car.
Have you seen uneven wear on your tires, like more wear on the inside or outside edges?

Misalignment causes the tires to make uneven contact with the road, leading to irregular tread wear that can shorten tire life.
Have you recently hit a pothole, curb, or driven over a rough bump?

Impacts like these can knock your wheels out of alignment, even if the car feels fine at first.
Do you feel vibration or shaking in the steering wheel while driving?

While this can also come from unbalanced tires, misaligned wheels can create uneven forces that cause noticeable vibration.
Is it harder to keep your car driving straight without constantly adjusting the wheel?

If you have to keep correcting your direction, it’s likely your wheels aren’t pointing where they should, which is often due to alignment issues.

FAQ on Wheel Alignment

What is a wheel alignment, and why is it important?

A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your car’s wheels so they all point in the correct direction. Proper alignment helps your car drive straight, reduces tire wear, improves fuel efficiency, and keeps your steering stable and responsive.
How much does a wheel alignment usually cost?

A standard wheel alignment typically costs between $75 and $150 depending on your vehicle type, whether it’s a two-wheel or four-wheel alignment, and where you go. Luxury vehicles or those with advanced systems may cost more. Some shops also offer lifetime alignment packages for a higher upfront price.
What’s the difference between a two-wheel and four-wheel alignment?

A two-wheel alignment (also called a front-end alignment) only adjusts the front wheels. A four-wheel alignment adjusts all four wheels and is common for vehicles with all-wheel or four-wheel drive, or cars with independent rear suspension. The shop will tell you which type your vehicle needs.
How do I know if my car needs an alignment?
You might need an alignment if:
- Your car pulls to one side while driving.
- The steering wheel is off-center.
- You notice uneven tire wear.
- The car vibrates or feels loose while steering.
- You recently hit a pothole or curb.
Even if none of these are obvious, getting an alignment check once a year is a good habit—especially if you drive often or on rough roads.
How long does a wheel alignment take?

Most alignments take about 30 minutes to an hour. It may take longer if other issues are found, like worn suspension parts that need replacing before the alignment can be done.
Can I drive with bad wheel alignment?

You can, but it’s not a good idea. Misalignment causes tires to wear unevenly and faster, which can be costly. It also affects handling and safety, especially in emergencies or bad weather. Driving too long like this can damage other suspension parts over time.
Will a wheel alignment fix a shaky steering wheel?

Sometimes, but not always. Shaking can be caused by unbalanced tires, bent rims, worn suspension parts, or alignment issues. It’s best to have a mechanic check it out to be sure.
Do I need an alignment after getting new tires?

Yes, it’s a smart move. Aligning your wheels when you install new tires helps them wear evenly right from the start, which helps protect your investment.
Can an alignment be done at home?

Not accurately. A proper alignment requires special equipment to measure wheel angles precisely. Some visual checks can hint at issues, but actual adjustments should be done by a professional shop.

Typical fixes to address the cause(s)

These are typical processes and repair services that fix a check engine light issue

How to get transparent, long-lasting repairs

If you want to fix the root cause, relying on online price estimates is misleading. Online estimates will only price the specific repair, e.g., the wheel alignment, and they won’t consider whether your vehicle needs an inspection to investigate and deal with the problem as a whole.

The solution for the root cause of your wheel alignment being bad is based specifically on your vehicle’s condition. This involves many components and procedures that won’t appear on online estimates because every case has specific needs.

The best way to get a precise estimate is to seek shops with a “transparency process” to perform a suspension and drivetrain system inspection for you. Their transparency relies on documenting everything about your wheel alignment and clarifying their findings using edited images and videos they took of your car, explaining their suggestions and quotes.

Let’s see an example of a suspension and drivetrain system investigation because of a bad wheel alignment.

A Transparent, Long-lasting Wheel Alignment Example

A complete suspension and drivetrain system inspection checks everything about the system’s condition, investigates chronic issues, and checks if all suspension and drivetrain components (steering rack, ball joints, wheel hub, steering rod, control arm, etc.) work as expected.

For instance, if a shop is requested to do a suspension and drivetrain system inspection due to a misaligned wheel, the mechanics will look through each wheel-related component.

They’ll check every component around and related to the wheels for signs of wear, tear, or leaks to find any clues about damage and excessive wear. The inspection may reveal that various components need replacement and identify the culprit causing extra stress on the wheel alignment.

What is a wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is a process to make all of your vehicle’s wheels point in the same, normal direction, so they won’t be crooked or cross-eyed. Whenever you hit potholes or curbs, the wheels tilt or turn slightly out of place. Consequently, your car might not drive straight, your tires can wear out faster, and steering can feel weird.

Think of it like this: if you’re trying to push a shopping cart and one wheel is crooked, it’ll pull to one side and be hard to control. That’s what happens to your car when the wheels aren’t aligned properly.

Getting a wheel alignment is like giving your car a quick adjustment so everything rolls smoothly again. It helps your tires last longer, improves handling, and keeps your ride safe and comfortable.

DIY Wheel Alignment Test

You can do some easy and safe tests on your vehicle to try and figure out if there’s a chance its wheels are out of alignment. Here are some of the steps you can take:

Step 1: Park on a flat, straight road
Find a quiet, level street or an empty parking lot. Make sure your steering wheel is centered before you begin.

Step 2: Test your car while driving straight
Drive slowly—around 20 to 30 mph (30 to 50 km/h)—in a straight line. Loosen your grip slightly on the steering wheel, keeping your hands close for safety.
What to watch for:

If the car pulls to the left or right by itself, your alignment may be off.
If it continues straight, that’s a good sign.

Step 3: Check your steering wheel position
While driving straight on a level road, look at your steering wheel.
What to watch for:

If the steering wheel is not centered (for example, the logo is off-center), that could point to an alignment issue.

Step 4: Visually inspect your tires
Stand a few feet behind and then in front of your car. Look at how your tires are sitting.
What to watch for:

If any of the tires appear tilted in or out instead of standing straight up, it could mean your wheels are out of alignment.

The 'Find Shops Providing a DVI' Method

A shop with transparent inspections commonly does DVIs too, which are free-of-charge visual inspections with the same level of transparency. You can find shops providing a DVI to get the reassurance that any inspection or repair will also be transparent.

This method focuses on two things:

Does the shop have a modern DVI?
Does the shop have certifications?

What’s a DVI? As mentioned earlier, it’s like an annual physical visit to the doctor to assess the body’s vital signs, but for a car instead; most auto repair shops don’t charge to do it. The DVI regularly creates your vehicle’s “state of health,” explaining its overall condition.

The mechanic uses the DVI results to inform the conditions of your vehicle’s systems and the recommendations to get it running reliably. If they find issues, they’ll list them in order of priority.

A DVI helps with wheel alignment

The DVI starts with the mechanic checking vehicle systems (brake caliper, wheel hub, rotors, shocks, struts, etc.) for signs of wear/tear/leaks. They’ll document everything through notes, videos, and pictures.

Here are some important things about a DVI:

It’s a visual inspection: The mechanic looks at the car’s components’ surface, searching for obvious problem signs.
It also checks for noises: The mechanic listens to your car's sounds and points out unusual noises.
It does not include further testing: A DVI doesn’t mean in-depth tests and investigations; it’s a surface-level report that tells whether a car needs evident repairs or deeper inspections.

If they spot wheel issues, they’ll take photos of them and edit images and videos to indicate what they found (damages, leaks, components’ locations, etc.). They’ll use arrows, circles, and text to make the images clear and easy to understand.

Note that the DVI doesn't involve additional testing, so the advisor will be taking only notes based on what they see (visual inspection). In the image below, the vehicle went into inspection because it was shaking while driving. The mechanic found out it was because of a faulty control arm bushing.

Control arm bushings are bad

A document with the vehicle’s health status is sent to the customer, with room for questions through online/phone or over-the-counter communication. The customer sees what repair priorities their vehicle has and what should be checked in the near future.

In this case, they’ll see a control arm and bushings replacement priority, and a wheel alignment. The focus is to educate and help the customer make informed decisions about their car.

Certifications that help you

Today’s auto industry has certifications for customer-educational and transparent businesses. For example, the AutoTechIQ certification makes shops that fit into the DVI method stand out on your local map. So you can find the one closest to you.

The shops with an AutoTechIQ certification typically feature 100+ excellent Google reviews! You can quickly find this certification on a shop’s website or using AutoTechIQ’s “Find a shop” map.