Most cars need an alignment every 2-3 years or after any meaningful curb or pothole hit. Skipping it costs you a set of tires - sometimes more. Here is how to know it is time.
A bad alignment can destroy a $600 set of tires in 10,000 miles. Compared to a $100 alignment, the math is obvious.
A persistent pull on a flat road - not just the slight rightward drift from road crown - means the alignment is off. Get it checked within a week.
If your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight, the toe is off. Easy fix during a four-wheel alignment.
Inner or outer edge wear, feathering, or cupping are all alignment-related. Get aligned and inspect the worn tires - replace if past the wear bars.
Any meaningful impact - a hard pothole, scrub against a curb - can knock alignment out. Get it checked even if the car drives straight.
Any control arm, strut, tie rod, or ball joint replacement changes the alignment. Always realign after these jobs.
Every 2-3 years (or 30,000 miles) is a safe interval for most drivers. Many tire shops include a free alignment check with tire rotation.
| What You Notice | Likely Diagnostic Step |
|---|---|
| Pulls right on flat road | Alignment + tire pressure check |
| Steering wheel crooked when straight | Toe needs adjusting |
| New tires installed | Get aligned with the install ($80-$150 extra) |
| Hit a deep pothole | Inspect for bent parts; align after |
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Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles for normal driving. Sooner if you hit a hard pothole, curb, or have any of the symptoms - pulling, off-center wheel, uneven tire wear.
Typically $80-$150 for a four-wheel alignment at a tire shop or independent. Dealers charge $120-$200. Many tire chains include a free alignment check.
Highly recommended. New tires installed on a misaligned car will wear unevenly within months. Spending $100 to protect $600 of tires is good math.
Car pulls to one side, steering wheel is crooked when driving straight, or you see uneven wear on the tires. Any of those means time to align.
A toe-only adjustment is doable with measuring strings and tape, but a true four-wheel alignment requires a $30,000+ machine. Pay the $100.
Most shops complete a four-wheel alignment in 60-90 minutes. Add 30-60 minutes if rusted adjustment bolts need to be cut and replaced.