The wheels on a vehicle should be parallel with one another and perpendicular to the road. However, your wheels can fall out of alignment over time. This can happen for a variety of reasons. The suspension may shift, moving the wheels out of alignment. A single incident, like hitting a pothole hard or bumping into a curb can also affect alignment.
Simply using a vehicle can cause the wheels to go out of alignment. When this happens depends on things like the condition of the roads you drive on, the way you drive your car and the overall condition of your vehicle in general. The cost of a wheel alignment can range from $50 to $150 depending on the size and type of vehicle you have.
When to Get a Wheel Alignment
You should get your wheel alignment checked every 10,000 km or every six months. This can happen simply as a part of regular servicing. Having your alignment checked regularly by a qualified mechanic can prevent bigger problems. Other signs that you may need a wheel alignment include:
- The wheels on your car wearing down faster than they should
- The wheels on your car wearing evenly
- Your car is constantly pulling to either the left or the right when you’re driving it
- The handling of your car feels loose
- Your steering wheel has to be crooked in order for you to keep driving straight
- Your car makes a lot of noise when you’re steering it
- You notice a squealing noise from your wheels
If you have a minor car accident, you should have the alignment of your wheels checked as soon as possible.
Prevent Bigger Problems With a Wheel Alignment
Mechanical parts are stressed when a car is repeatedly driven with wheels out of alignment. It can affect the steering, suspension components, transmission and tyres. A wheel alignment only becomes a big expense when it is left untreated and causes a larger repair issue. You may need to replace worn tyres or have the steering or suspension fixed. If it affects your transmission, it can push the price of repair into the thousands. Regular alignment checks can avoid this.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Wheel Alignment
Your wheel alignment cost can vary based on factors like:
- The make and model of your car
- The age of your car
- The type of tires on your car
- The condition of your car
- The mechanic who works on your car
4 wheel drives and SUVs tend to be more expensive, as the adjustments that need to be carried out are more time consuming. Mechanics can charge differently, so it can be a good idea to get a variety of quotes to ensure you pay a fair price.
Contact Car Care Joondalup for Expert Servicing and Repairs
For any and all auto repairs and servicing including wheel alignments, our expert Joondalup mechanics can help. Call the team at Car care Joondalup on (08) 9300 9796 or contact us online today.