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CostHelper > Cars  > Wheel Alignment

Wheel Alignment Cost


How Much Does Wheel Alignment Cost?

 
average costAt Tire or Repair Shop: $20-$100high costAt Car Dealership: $75-$400+

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, to fix or avoid problems such as irregular tire wear, poor handling (pulling to one side) or a crooked steering wheel. Because no replacement parts are needed for this process, local labor rates have a strong impact on the cost.

Typical costs:

  • A two-wheel alignment (such as a front-end alignment) at a car repair or tire shop typically costs $20-$100, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the location of the shop and the warranty, which can vary from six months and 6,000 miles (whichever comes first) to 1-5 years with unlimited mileage (longer warranties may be transferable if the vehicle is sold). CostHelper readers report paying $40-$95 for a two-wheel alignment, at an average cost of $65.
  • A four-wheel alignment at a car repair or tire shop also typically costs $20-$100, depending on vehicle make and model, location and warranty. CostHelper readers report paying $30-$80 for this service, at an average cost of $63.
  • To get a proper alignment, some European and high-end Asian vehicles require special tools and computer equipment that are only available at car dealerships, where wheel alignments can cost $75-$400 or more, depending on location, make and model, and length of warranty. CostHelper readers report paying $80-$350 for a wheel alignment at dealership, at an average cost of $180.
Related articles: Tires, Wheel Balancing, Brakes, Chrome Wheels, Tune-up, Oil Change

What should be included:
  • 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's specifications for that year, make and model of vehicle. If the alignment is off, adjustments are made and the vehicle is tested again.
  • Some tire centers recommend having the wheels aligned annually. However, many experts say an average pothole isn't enough to knock a vehicle out of alignment, and that alignment should only be done if the car starts to pull or drift to one side when steering, or if there is uneven tread wear on the tires. National syndicated radio host and Washington Post Columnist Pat Goss told Road and Travel magazine[1] that alignment shouldn't be commonplace, because "you actually have to bend steel to affect alignment."
Additional costs:
  • If needed, wheel balancing (at an average cost of $10-$12 per tire) may be done at the same time as alignment.
Discounts:
  • Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA[2] members.
  • Auto repair shops, tire stores and gas stations often offer wheel alignment discount coupons for new customers. For example, Goodyear[3] and Pep Boys[4] have a $10 off coupon online.
  • A do-it-yourself wheel alignment isn't necessarily difficult, but it is precise work. Car and Driver magazine provides do-it-yourself instructions[5] that require specialized tools such as a digital camber gauge ($100-$700 or more) or a tow bar ($30-$250). However, Hot Rod magazine[6] describes a home wheel alignment can be done with basic tools, string and a magnetic caster/camber gauge ($35-$75).
Shopping for wheel alignment:
  • Wheel alignments are done at most car dealerships; at tire dealers like Big O Tires[7] , Firestone[8] or Goodyear[9] ; and at repair shops/departments like Pep Boys[10] or Sears[11] .
  • The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence provides a searchable directory[12] of certified shops.
  • Prices vary, so call several shops for quotes. Know the year, make and model of the vehicle when calling. Some shops will not work on custom vehicles, so be sure to mention if there is anything custom or unique that could affect the alignment process.
  • Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[13] .
post Post   Comments (124)  
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Four wheel alignment
Amount: $119.99
Posted by: Michael tardi in Westerly, RI.Posted: November 18th, 2020 04:11AM
Car Make: ChevroletCar Model: Silverado 2500hd
Store: Redstone
Cost is high
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$99
Amount: $99.00
Posted by: honda_dude in Campbell, CA.Posted: July 27th, 2018 03:07AM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Accord
Store: Pro Alignment and Brake
I used to always go to chains like Wheel Works but I ready really good reviews on Yelp for a local shop that basically just does wheel alignment.
The only downside was that it's in little corner of town that has only auto shops, so it's not a place where you can drop off your car and go eat lunch and shopping.
But service was great and the price was lower than the tire shops.
This was for all 4 wheels.
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Four Wheel Alignment + 2 New Tires
Amount: $414.76
Posted by: WLP in Waterford, MI.Posted: December 12th, 2017 04:12PM
Store: Steve's European Automotive
2015 VW Passat TDI Wolfsburg Edition. Price paid after $15 discount applied. 2 new BF Goodrich Advantage TA front tires. 4W alignment alone was $169.99. Waited about 4 hours. Seemed a bit high overall, but they had a number of my style vehicles branded with their company name (loaners?) so it put in my mind that they 'know' the vehicle quirks and specs better than most. I did not get a printout with the alignment specs as I came to see on the receipt paperwork after the fact. Will be calling tomorrow to inquire why/get a copy. As I recall elsewhere with another vehicle I had, I got a printout with the alignment. Single mom here who is NOT currently well-off so still feeling this place out in terms of pricing and service.
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WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Amount: $85.59
Posted by: JAMES DENOS in MURRAY, UT.Posted: January 18th, 2017 10:01AM
Car Make: TOYOTACar Model: SIENNA
Store: BIG O TIRES
GAVE ME A PAPERSHOWING RED AND GREEN ALIGNMENT, RED MEANING IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. WHEN IT WAS DONE THEIR WAS STILL RED SHOWING IMPROPER ALIGNMENT, HE SAID WE CANT FIX THAT UNLESS I PAY ANOTHER $119.00...WHAT A BUNCH OF CROOKS...
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never done
Amount: $49.00
Posted by: Richie in seabrooh nh, NH.Posted: June 12th, 2016 02:06AM
Car Make: 04Car Model: dodge 2500 pu
Store: townfair tire
Retired mechanic 43 year exp. bought 4 new tires & 4 wheel alignment.
Got 4 tires & alignment never touched . Tie rod adjustment sleeve never moved old road dirt & grease still on threads & sleeve clamps. Called manager told me slight adjustment and you would never see the movement on the sleeve & they reposition the clamps down that's why you cant see the movement. Called main office told them situation they are sending me a refund check.
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4 wheel alinment
Amount: $144.89
Posted by: MIT in Moorsetown, NJ.Posted: April 21st, 2016 08:04PM
Store: Mr.Tire
I badly needed alignment so I went with it. Charge me for 80 dollar for alignment then,60 dollars for labor. It makes no sense
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Truck Wheel alignment
Amount: $89.99
Posted by: NorthshoreJones in Slidell, LA.Posted: June 11th, 2015 07:06AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: tundra
Store: Tire Kingdom
Tire Kingdom offers $124.99 for one year service of free alignments as often as needed within the year. Normal one time alignment is $89.99
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New Tires
Amount: $800.00
Posted by: Steven Smith in Phoenix, AZ.Posted: April 14th, 2015 02:04PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: E-250
Store: Discount Tire
First I bought the tires from them for $800. They told me that they don't do alignments and I would have to go somewhere else. Wish I would have known before. Now if anything goes wrong they will both tell me it's the other shops fault. I have a back tire that bounces like crazy going over 50mph. Makes the whole van shake. I have been back to have the wheel rebalanced 4 times. Every single time they did anything to it, it just got worse.My hubs were rusty and the wheels come off very hard. So they told me the wheels were seized up and I had to take it to a shop with special equipment. I don't get it. They had no problem selling me the tires and putting them on but now they say they can't get the wheels off. I think I got a good deal on the tires but seems like they just want to sell the tires and never see you again. They also told me it was a bad thing to do to rotate the tires. They told me I should just buy new ones. Also said I should buy new rims. The hubs are rusted not the rims.
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Honda Tire Wheel Alignment
Amount: $99.99
Posted by: kirbelles in Racine, WI.Posted: March 28th, 2015 03:03PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Fit
Store: WI Honda Dealer
I bought my first vehicle last year and am still learning part prices.
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Wheel Alignment Scam
Amount: $119.00
Posted by: OP in Tustin, CA.Posted: January 8th, 2015 08:01AM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Honda Odessy
Store: Good Year Tires
I purchased a lifetime alignment with over $280 three years ago at Good Year, Red Hill/Walnut. I only had my car aligned under that for two times. Second time, they treated me badly, first telling to come back tomorrow. When I told, I had called a day before and was told to bring it next day, they made me wait for three hours. Then they told me, I need a tire change and my tires are of very poor quality. I told them, I purchased from Costco and I am o.k. Both times, after they serviced, within a week, I had flat tire with nail (Wonder if they put nail). The third time, when I brought my car, the manager was rude and told me that my warranty is no longer good because of the change in ownership of the shop. They charged me $119 for the alignment. I had to wait for hours and he told me the same that my tires are piece of junk and should buy from them. I told him, I just bought the higher end from Costco, few months ago. He told me to return the tires and buy from him. Stay away
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Wheel Alignment
Amount: $49.00
Posted by: Geckobros in Pueblo West, CO.Posted: December 4th, 2014 03:12PM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Camaro
Store: Jeremy's Garage Pueblo West CO
Fast and friendly! Had to replace all the shims and this too was included in the price.
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Wheel alignment
Amount: $65.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Los angeles, CA.Posted: October 18th, 2014 06:10PM
Store: Memo's tores
Told me I need an alignment after I did a rotation. When I got a print out after, I could see how off it really was.
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4-Wheel Alignment and Balance
Amount: $151.75
Posted by: Jessica S. in Columbia, SC.Posted: September 8th, 2014 07:09AM
Car Make: 2007 NissanCar Model: Altima
Store: Firestone
They told me that my boots are busted and my half shafts/CV axles will need to be replaced eventually. I took my car in because it shakes badly while I'm driving. I am not sure if I was ripped off but from the online research I've done the price is reasonable.
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Minus 1.5 toe. Prematurely Ruined new set of tires
Amount: $66.00
Posted by: Kayak Buffalo in Marshall, AR.Posted: August 21st, 2014 08:08PM
Car Make: CadillacCar Model: DTS
Store: Phils
I put a new set Goodyear FuelMax REAR tires on my car last year. 14,000 miles later the tread depth was still good 7.5, but the tires were SHREDDED, and I was stranded after floating the Buffalo. So do get your wheels aligned. Thanks to everyone for their help!
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Car alignment for Altima
Amount: $59.00
Posted by: Drcharles in Glendale, AZ.Posted: June 28th, 2014 09:06AM
Store: Bj at phonemic
Seems to be a good price for 4 wheel alignment and 6 month guarantee
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Alignment
Amount: $80.00
Posted by: 6james6 in Fremont, CA.Posted: June 21st, 2014 03:06PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: GT500
Store: Fremont wheel & brake
Great service, great alignment
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Tire Alignment
Amount: $89.99
Posted by: BLD in Norristown, PA.Posted: May 22nd, 2014 06:05PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Fit
Store: Meineke
had to replace 2 tires so needed alignment, especially after a winter that 'did a number' on the car from so many deep pot holes - ugh!
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Front Wheel Aligment
Amount: $85.00
Posted by: Frank Lezo in Lynwood, CA.Posted: April 15th, 2014 06:04AM
Store: Bolled Alignment
Reasonable price forgot to ask for AAA discount, they informed me about other issues I might come cross my motorhome is a 1990 so got some advice
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wheel alignment
Amount: $247.28
Posted by: mich916ael in fayetteville, AR.Posted: April 14th, 2014 07:04AM
Car Make: fordCar Model: mustang
Store: C and K Tire
cost is high they had to buy caster cam bolts 60.00 for 4 of them
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Wheel Alignment
Amount: $60.00
Posted by: a user in Irving, TX.Posted: October 31st, 2013 06:10AM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Mustang
Store: Mobile1
4 wheel alignment 30 day warranty
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Front Alignment
Amount: $70.00
Posted by: wyatt in Mountain Home, AR.Posted: September 30th, 2013 01:09PM
Store: Plumlee
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Four Wheel Alignment
Amount: $69.99
Posted by: Laidback Fellow in Atlanta, GA.Posted: December 9th, 2012 01:12PM
Car Make: NissanCar Model: Altima (2008)
Store: Sears
Purchased 4 tires and had it installed at Sears. Technician offered to do four wheel alignment for $69.99 with 6 months/6000 miles warranty. Seemed very reasonable so went ahead with it.
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External Resources:
  1.  www.roadandtravel.com/carcare/alignment.html
  2.  www.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/ZipCode.woa/wa/route?stop=yes&
  3.  www.goodyear.com/en-US/services/wheel-alignment?evar1=goo|TS_-_Wheel_Alignment_-_P...
  4.  www.pepboys.com/sale_specials/coupons/
  5.  www.caranddriver.com/features/get-in-line-do-it-yourself-wheel-alignment
  6.  www.hotrod.com/techarticles/chassis/hrdp_0411_wheel_alignment_guide/viewall.html
  7.  www.bigotires.com/locations
  8.  www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/
  9.  www.goodyear.com/en-US/services
  10.  www.pepboys.com/nonmgb/my_stores
  11.  www.sears.com/automotive/v-1020005
  12.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  13.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
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