Search over 1,400 topics on CostHelper.com
BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children cars & car maintenance education health & personal care home & garden personal finance pets & pet care small business weddings
CostHelper.com > Cars  > Wheel Alignment

Wheel Alignment Cost

How Much Does Wheel Alignment Cost?

low costLow: $30-$50
low costMedium: $50-$85

Related Topics:

Tires

Wheel Balancing

Brakes

Chrome Wheels

Tune-up

>> All Articles for Cars
 
Wheel alignment is all labor and involves no parts, so rates vary based on the local cost of living. According to Washington Post columnist Pat Goss, wheel alignment shouldn't be too commonplace, "You actually have to bend steel to affect alignment." Some tire centers recommend having wheels aligned annually or whenever the car starts to pull or drift to one side when steering, or when there is uneven tread wear on the tires.
 
Typical costs:
  • A two wheel alignment (such as a front-end alignment) can cost $30-$65 based on the local cost of living.
  • A four wheel alignment can cost $50-$95 based on the local cost of living.
What should be included:
  • A wheel alignment is done to make sure the vehicle's wheels are running parallel to each other, and that the tires meet the road at a correct angle. Improper wheel alignment can cause problems such as irregular tire wear, poor handling (pulling to one side) or a crooked steering wheel.
  • Professional wheel alignment typically takes less than an hour. The vehicle will be placed on a platform so the wheels can spin while a computer calculates their orientation, which is then compared to the manufacturer specifications for that year, make and model of vehicle. If the alignment is off, adjustments are made and the vehicle is tested again.
  • Custom cars may require special wheel alignment. ExpertVillage hosts videos with tips for custom wheel alignment.
Additional costs:
Shopping for wheel alignment:
  • Most car dealerships, tire dealers and repair shops do wheel alignment. Large tire store chains include Big O Tires, Firestone and Goodyear.
  • Prices vary, so call several shops for quotes. Know the year, make and model of the vehicle when calling, and be sure to mention if there is anything custom or unique that could affect the alignment process. (Some shops will only align to manufacturer's specifications, and won't work on custom vehicles.)
Article updated September 2010
  post E-mail post Post  
 

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 4 of 4   -   << Previous   1   2   3   4   

4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Amount: $129.95
Posted by: STARGAZER in WESTBROOK, CT.Posted: September 4th, 2010 04:09PM
Car Make: HONDACar Model: ACCORD
Store: DEALERSHIP
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wheel Alignment
Amount: $70.00
Posted by: CL Smooth in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: September 13th, 2010 01:09PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Civic
Store: Westcoast Tire
All four tires done when I got my tires replaced.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wheel Alignment
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: JennyCali in Concord, CA.Posted: September 14th, 2010 07:09PM
Car Make: BMWCar Model: 528i
Store: BMW Concord, Ca
OMFG. The price I paid today (9/14/10) is ridiculous. $300 for an alignment on a BMW. My '96 Mustang only cost me $60-89.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wheel Alignment
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: PaddyO DaddyO in Barrington, IL.Posted: September 16th, 2010 07:09AM
Car Make: BMWCar Model: 335xi
Store: Motorwerks Barrington, IL
Front end alignment 3 times they still didnt get it right. Blamed me for hitting potholes. Service adviser was pretty rude about it too. Now I go to Patrick BMW.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
wheel alignment
Amount: $40.00
Posted by: dank in portland, OR.Posted: September 21st, 2010 09:09AM
Car Make: hondaCar Model: accord
Store: karman auto
the best price in portland oregon for a 4 wheel alignment only $40 with a 6 month labor waranty
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tire Alignment
Amount: $69.99
Posted by: rocketgirl in Riverside, CA.Posted: September 22nd, 2010 12:09PM
Car Make: NissanCar Model: Altima
Store: Firestone
Fire Stone 8360 Limonite Ave, riverside, ca 92509
They had a 10% off coupon online. they also have a price match gurantee
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tire Alignment
Amount: $49.99
Posted by: rocketgirl in Riverside, CA.Posted: September 22nd, 2010 12:09PM
Car Make: NissanCar Model: Altima
Store: Rubidoux Tire & Brake 
5949 Mission Blvd
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
tire alignment
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: jimmy vuy in mountain view, CA.Posted: September 25th, 2010 02:09PM
Car Make: hondaCar Model: 2009
Store: tireusa
very very very cheap
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
wheel alignment
Amount: $80.00
Posted by: Jerry Fork in orlano, FL.Posted: October 7th, 2010 04:10AM
Car Make: HyundaiCar Model: santa fe
Store: firestone
Rear tires were worn on the inside tread. Fronts wore evenly. Also one rear tire was cupping. So when I rotated these=an annoying throbbing road noise developed. The rear setting was to negative. The ride now is quite.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
4 Wheel Alignment
Amount: $80.00
Posted by: Rob Luongo, Automotive Technician in Salem, NH.Posted: October 12th, 2010 08:10PM
Car Make: Most Domestic & AsianCar Model: Inquire for covered models
Store: National Tire & Battery
I'm an Automotive Technician at NTB in Salem, NH. We offer 4 Alignment Programs (Good at NTB, Tire Kingdom, and Merchant's)
Price - Program Length
$79.99 - 6mos/6,000mi (whichever occurs first)
$114.99 - 1 Year/Unlimited Mileage
$154.99 - 3 Years/Unlimited Mieage/Transferable
$194.99 - 5 Years/Unlimited Mileage/Transferable
Please Note that many European and High End Asian vehicles require special tools and computer equipment for a PROPER alignment, and should ONLY be done at the dealer (many places will take your money for an incomplete alignment..CAUTION.) Not all measureable angles are adjustable on all vehicles. Alignment Checks are ALWAYS free. Specialty Alignments are priced accordingly, if they can be done properly.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
tire alignment
Amount: $54.99
Posted by: Benzg7 in Orlando, FL.Posted: October 13th, 2010 09:10AM
Car Make: MadzaCar Model: 3
Store: Tire Plus
Front wheels: steer ahead read 0.27 degree before alignment, after alignment it read 0.01 degree. They initially ask for 74.99 + tax. Finally, they give me $20 off. It is just stantard alignment. I feel too expensive! Bad experienece in Tire Plus
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
truck alignment 4x4
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: a user in , NA.Posted: November 9th, 2010 06:11PM
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wheel Alignment
Amount: $60.00
Posted by: SuvarnaK in Jersey city, NJ.Posted: November 10th, 2010 01:11PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Civic
Store: Midas
Quoted price was $79.99, then was given a $20 discount. Price looks reasonable.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
wheel alignment
Amount: $69.00
Posted by: a user in los angeles, CA.Posted: November 15th, 2010 01:11PM
Car Make: toyotaCar Model: highlander
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wheel Alginment
Amount: $29.99
Posted by: a user in Austin, TX.Posted: November 17th, 2010 10:11AM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Focus
Store: Firestone
Only a quote, but really cheap and have had work done there before.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wheel Alignment
Amount: $160.00
Posted by: NJTony in Edison, NJ.Posted: November 30th, 2010 07:11AM
Car Make: InfinitiCar Model: M35x
Store: Dealership
Shocked at what I had to pay for a wheel alignment!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wheel Alignment
Amount: $191.00
Posted by: Cid in Fort Lauderdale, FL.Posted: December 15th, 2010 10:12AM
Car Make: ChryslerCar Model: 300M
Store: Tires Plus
I paid 191.00 for a life time alignment ( which only covers ONE after the initial alignment + life time tire rotation). All in all, I wish I would have done my homework because that cost is a rip off.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Four-wheel alignment
Amount: $80.00
Posted by: RDRJR in Longwood, FL.Posted: December 17th, 2010 02:12PM
Car Make: 2005Car Model: Sonata
Store: Advanced Brake & Alignment Specialties
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Four Wheel Alignment
Amount: $45.00
Posted by: David S. in Rosemead, CA.Posted: December 21st, 2010 06:12PM
Car Make: 2002 FordCar Model: Escort
Store: Wheelhouse Tire
Johnny is the manager & his mechanics are fast & professional even replaced one wheel stud that another store jacked up. Aligned then took for test ride & rides straight as arrow. Check em here

8630 E. Garvey Ave.
Rosemead, CA 91770
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wheel Alignment
Amount: $74.99
Posted by: Julie M in Madison, WI.Posted: December 22nd, 2010 07:12AM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Equinox
Store: Tires Plus
I thought this was high...but I had just spent $600 on tires and would think there would be a discount for that since it is a necessary service to protect your tires from abnormal wear
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Is that expensive?
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: JacobB. in Cantom, MA.Posted: March 31st, 2011 07:03PM
Car Make: Mercedes benzCar Model: GL550
Store: Mercedes benz dealer
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
wheel alignment
Amount: $159.00
Posted by: hikerbob in lady lake, FL.Posted: May 11th, 2011 05:05PM
Car Make: sableCar Model: merk
Store: total choice
i have cupping at 18,000 on a 08 sable. Life Time alignment with one transfer. I keep my cars 100,000+ so it's worth it. I have all my car work done at Total Choice in Lady Lake Fl.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wheel alignment
Amount: $199.00
Posted by: GN in Bellevue, WA.Posted: September 26th, 2011 11:09AM
Car Make: BMWCar Model: 335i
Store: BMW of Bellevue
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam

Page 4 of 4   -   << Previous   1   2   3   4   
 

Comment On Your Experience With Wheel Alignment
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Car Make: Car Model: 
Store:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 


More Articles in Cars - Car Maintenance

Search More Than 1,400 Topics on CostHelper.com