How Much Does An Alignment Cost

Aside from getting your car’s regular motor oil change, it is also essential to have a wheel alignment as part of the vehicle’s maintenance. This is to ensure that the tires can perform well and endure longer periods of time. Moreover, it gives you more comfort, convenience, safe and smooth ride while driving on the road.

If the price of change oil ranges from $20 to $55, how much do alignments usually cost then? According to Auto Service Costs, the average car alignment price ranges from $75 to $200, depending on the kind of wheel alignment service you wish to get.

– $75 for a one-time service

– $125 for a whole year of service

– $175 for a three-year service

– $200 for a lifetime wheel alignment service

To let you know what constitutes the typical alignment cost, here is a breakdown of the expenses for each type of alignment service.

A. Front-end Alignment

This is also referred as a two-wheel alignment where only two of the wheels are being aligned. Most auto repair or tire shops will charge at least $20 up to $100 for this service, depending on the model and type of the vehicle, the shop location as well as the given warranty that varies from six months with a mileage of 6,000 miles up to 60 months with an unlimited mileage.

According to some patron readers of CostHelper, the average car alignment price is $65, paying a total cost between $40 to $95 for a front-end alignment.

B. Four-wheel Alignment

Apparently, this service has the similar costs with front-end alignment, ranging from $20 to $100. Auto repair or tire shops are also looking at the car model and type, the shop location and warranty. The typical alignment cost for this service is between $30 to $80, having an average price of $63.

C. Proper Alignment

Getting this service reduces the vibrations while the car is moving and maintains a straight trajectory without having to pull the car on the side of the road.

High-end vehicles manufactured in Asia and Europe are given proper alignment that needs to have special equipment and computer software tools provided only by the car dealerships.

How much do alignments usually cost for this type? You get to spend at least $75 up to $400. However, there are some clients who have paid within the range from $80 to $350, averaging at $180.

Wheel Alignment Prices Coming From National Companies

The previously mentioned prices are coming from independent auto shops. But if you want to consult a prominent company for the alignment services and assure yourself with a much better provider, here are some auto firms and their respective average car alignment price with the length of warranty and maximum mileage.

A. Firestone Tire and Rubber Company

For a one-time wheel alignment, this company gives you a one-year warranty with a maximum mileage of 12,000 miles for an average price of $80. Meanwhile, if you choose to have a lifetime service, you get unlimited warranty and mileage for an average cost of $170.

B. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company

This company only provides a one-time service, giving you six months warranty with a maximum mileage of only 6,000 miles for $100.

C. Mr. Tire

Just like Goodyear, Mr. Tire also gives a one-time alignment service for only $50. However, it neither provides any warranty nor state a particular mileage to its consumers.

D. National Tire and Battery (NTB)

This corporation alignment service for a car and a truck.

*CAR

The typical alignment cost for just a single service without warrant and mileage is for a friendly price of $50. If you opt to have a one-year wheel alignment, the average price is $125 with six months warranty and an unlimited mileage. But for a three-year service, which is recommended, you get to spend a friendly average price of $180 with unlimited warranty and mileage.

*TRUCK

When it comes to a truck wheel alignment, NTB provides similar services with a car, having the same length of warranty and mileage for each service. They only differ in average prices. For a single service, it costs $105 while one-year and three-year cost $140 and $235, respectively.

E. Pep Boys: Manny, Moe & Jack

How much do alignments usually cost given by Pep Boys? For a one-time service, the average car alignment price is only $85 with three months warranty and maximum mileage of 4,000 miles. One-year alignment service, on one hand, costs $110 with one year warranty and 12,000 miles.

F. Sears

Although this company is a chain of department stores, Sears provided automotive services including wheel alignments.

The typical alignment cost for a single service is $85 with six months warranty and a maximum mileage of 6,000 miles. Meanwhile, a one-year wheel alignment service has an average fee of $115 with one year warranty and unlimited mileage. And the three-year service incurs an average service charge of $165 with three years warranty and unlimited mileage.

G. Walmart

Just like Sears, Walmart is also a chain of department stores, but has been providing its consumers with auto care services such as wheel alignment.

Its prices are based on the types of wheel alignment. For a front-end alignment, the average price is $50 without warranty and mileage provisions. A four-wheel alignment, the average cost is $85, also without provisions.

When is the Right Time to get a Wheel Alignment

The right time to get an alignment is when you start to notice the following circumstances:

*While you are driving, your vehicle keeps on pulling to either side of the road.

*There is difficulty in steering the wheel as the speed increases.

*Car vibration becomes more evident, hearing more road noises.

*The tires are uneven. As you turn your vehicle, they make unnecessary sounds.

If your vehicle shows one or more of these signs, be sure to have it check by a technician or mechanic right away. However, you don’t need to wait for these bad situations to happen. It is much better to visit an auto repair shop to get a wheel alignment with a mileage of 10,000 miles.