Wheel Alignment Cost in Arizona: Signs, Prices & When You Need One
Reviewed by Eric Shepherd, ASE-Certified Technician
You’re driving around Phoenix, battling construction, road debris and the usual traffic when you happen to look down and notice that your steering wheel is off center, but you’re still driving in a straight line. Maybe the issue is a little less noticeable, and maybe you notice that your arm is starting to feel a little tired from constantly applying pressure and readjusting the wheel, so you don’t end up in the next lane.
Either of these scenarios could mean it is time for a wheel alignment. Wheel alignment costs can vary depending on the vehicle and the type of alignment you need. Front-end alignments and four-wheel alignments aren’t always the same job and sometimes what appears to be an alignment issue is actually an underlying suspension problem.
When you realize you need an alignment, it’s important to ask not only how much it will cost, but what caused the alignment to change in the first place. For Arizona drivers, it’s worth figuring it out as you navigate the streets of Phoenix.
How Much Does a Wheel Alignment Cost?
At Gemba Automotive, the standard cost of a wheel alignment is $149.
Pricing can vary based on:
- The make and model
- Front-end versus four-wheel alignment
- Which alignment angles are adjustable
- Vehicle modifications
- Condition of the steering and suspension
- Whether worn or damaged components need repair first
When it comes to wheel alignment, there is a difference between a vehicle with healthy and straightforward steering and suspension components, versus something custom, modified, lowered or lifted that has just lost its battle with a pothole on the freeway. The biggest thing to remember is that the alignment adjusts the wheel geometry. It won’t repair any worn or bent parts that might be contributing to the bad alignment.
For example, a bent tie rod, worn bushing or damaged ball joint may need to be repaired or replaced before the vehicle can be properly aligned. The good news is, if you are unaware of these issues, when you take your vehicle to get aligned, our team of ASE-Certified Technicians will be able to spot the bad parts and let you know what needs to be fixed.
What Is a Wheel Alignment?
A proper wheel alignment involves measuring the angles of the wheels with the suspension and ensuring those measurements are in line with what the manufacturer has established for that vehicle. Technicians will be looking at the camber, caster and toe of the wheels.
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel when you look at it from the front. Caster is the angle of the steering and plays a role in steering stability. Toe is whether the front tires point slightly inward or outward when viewed from above. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to the alignment of the vehicle.
Front-End Alignment vs. Four-Wheel Alignment
When speaking to a repair shop about alignment services, there are generally two options: front-end alignment and four-wheel alignment.
A front-end alignment looks at the front wheels and adjustments are limited to the front wheels. A four-wheel alignment considers the wheels at all four corners.
How do you know which one is right for you? It depends on the design, suspension and manufacturer data available. Not every vehicle will have the same adjustment points. For example, your pickup truck will have different alignment needs than your neighbor’s SUV or your coworker’s sedan.
What Are the Signs You Need an Alignment?
You won’t experience a warning or dashboard light if your wheel alignment is off. Generally, you will be able to tell in how your car is driving or how it feels. Here are some signs to watch for:
Car Pulls to One Side
If you notice that your vehicle seems to constantly pull to one side on a level road, it could mean the alignment is bad. That said, don’t jump to any conclusions. Sometimes pulling to the side can mean there is something wrong with the tires, the tire pressure, brakes or steering and suspension. If the road is uneven or the center of the road is raised, it will also affect how your vehicle drives. But if you find yourself constantly pulling or wrestling with the steering wheel, it’s worth an inspection.
Steering Wheel Is Off-Center
Let’s say your vehicle is going straight, but you notice that your steering wheel isn’t. If the steering wheel is off-center, it could mean you have an alignment issue that needs to be checked, especially if it appears to be a new issue. It may seem like a minor annoyance while you're driving through Chandler, but after an hour or two driving across the Valley of the Sun, you're going to notice it.
Uneven Tire Wear
One of the easiest things to check is the tread on your tires. If you notice excessive wear on the inner or outer edge of the tire, it could point towards an alignment issue. That said, a bad alignment isn’t the culprit for every bad tread wear issue. Uneven tread wear can also result from improper tire pressure, overinflation or underinflation, as well as worn suspension components. Your tire will no doubt tell you something is going on, but an inspection will go a long way in telling you what caused it.
Car Wanders or Feels Unstable
Have you ever felt like driving your car feels like it is ice skating down the road or wandering around? If you've experienced it, you know how much time you can spend constantly correcting the steering. That's a good reason to have the alignment and related components checked.
Symptoms Started After Hitting a Pothole or Curb
We all know the sound… THUNK! You just hit a pothole or a curb you just didn’t see. If the steering feels different afterward, don't ignore the timing. The impact may have affected the alignment or damaged a tire, wheel, steering or suspension component.
Why Do Cars Go Out of Alignment?
Wheel alignment can change for several reasons, including:
- Pothole and road impacts
- Hitting curbs
- Collision damage
- Worn steering components
- Worn suspension components
- Certain steering or suspension repairs
- Vehicle modifications
Depending on the cause, sometimes you only need a simple alignment adjustment. Other times, an underlying problem may be responsible. Worn components allow for movement when there shouldn’t be. A bent component can alter the geometry of the suspension and in either case, readjusting the alignment won’t fix the underlying cause.
Why Arizona Driving Can Be Hard on Your Alignment
Unfortunately, the Arizona heat isn’t sneaking into your garage at night and knocking your wheels out of alignment. Our roads, however, are a very different story. Spend enough time driving around the Phoenix metro area from Tempe and Mesa in the East Valley to Scottsdale, Surprise and Sun City West and you'll encounter construction, potholes, uneven pavement, road debris and plenty of opportunities to knock your wheels out of alignment. A Valley commute can mean substantial time on I-10, I-17, US-60 or Loops 101, 202 and 303. More miles traveled means there are more opportunities for road impacts and wear.
And while the heat won’t directly mess with your alignment, it does place stress on tires and rubber components which can influence how a vehicle handles and may make certain symptoms more noticeable.
How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?
There really isn’t a standard rule that says, “congrats, you have driven so many miles, now get an alignment.” Rather than following one universal mileage interval, alignment should generally be checked when symptoms appear, abnormal tire wear is discovered, certain steering or suspension components are replaced, or the vehicle experiences a significant impact such as hitting a pothole or curb.
If your owner's manual includes vehicle-specific alignment guidance, follow that recommendation.
Do You Need an Alignment When You Get New Tires?
Having new tires installed is not going to change your vehicle’s alignment. That said, it can be a good time to investigate any existing alignment issues you might have. If you just spent good money on four new tires, you probably don't want your car immediately treating them like an all-you-can-eat buffet. If the old set wore unevenly, it's worth finding out why before the new tires develop the same pattern.
Wheel Alignment vs. Tire Balancing
When it comes to alignment and tire balancing, while they both deal with your wheels and tires, they are two completely different things. Alignment is how your wheels and tires sit on the pavement and work with your suspension geometry. Tire balancing is the weight distribution around the tire-and-wheel assembly.
You can have similar symptoms from both and the best way to know for sure what’s going on is to have an inspection performed. Pulling, an off-center steering wheel and certain abnormal tire-wear patterns can point toward alignment. A vibration that becomes more noticeable at certain speeds can sometimes point toward a wheel-balancing issue.
Can You Drive with Bad Wheel Alignment?
A small alignment issue doesn’t automatically make your vehicle undrivable. However, you will want to have it checked out soon before it turns into uneven treadwear and forces you to spend money on new tires before you were ready or at an inconvenient time. If the alignment was different after hitting something or if the pulling becomes severe, you won’t want to wait and should have it inspected as soon as possible.
Will an Alignment Fix Uneven Tire Wear?
If you have gone a while with bad alignment and developed uneven tire wear, getting the car aligned won't put rubber back on the tire. Correcting the alignment can help prevent additional wear caused by improper wheel angles, but any tread that's already gone is gone.
When an Alignment Problem Is Actually a Suspension Problem
Components including control arms, bushings, ball joints, tie rods and other steering or suspension parts help locate and control the wheels. If those components have become worn, loose or damaged, then it can prevent a technician from achieving the proper alignment for your vehicle. They will be able to tell you what parts need to be replaced.
What Happens During a Professional Wheel Alignment?
When you take your vehicle to Gemba Automotive for an alignment, or another professional shop, it’s more than just putting the vehicle on the rack and making sure the steering wheel is straight.
During a professional alignment, technicians may begin with inspecting the tires and relevant steering and suspension components. The vehicle is then positioned on alignment equipment so technicians can measure its alignment angles, compare them with manufacturer specifications and make the available adjustments. Measurements are rechecked after adjustments are made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheel Alignment
How much does a wheel alignment cost?
Wheel alignment cost depends on the vehicle, type of alignment, available adjustments and condition of the steering and suspension. Repairs needed before an alignment can increase the total cost.
How often should you get an alignment?
There isn't one universal interval. Consider an alignment check when the vehicle pulls, wanders, develops an off-center steering wheel or abnormal tire wear, experiences a significant road impact or has certain steering or suspension work performed.
What are the signs you need a wheel alignment?
Common signs include pulling, an off-center steering wheel, abnormal tire wear and wandering. These symptoms can also have other causes, so inspection is important.
What's the difference between a front-end alignment and four-wheel alignment?
A front-end alignment focuses on the front wheels, while a four-wheel alignment evaluates all four. The appropriate procedure depends on the vehicle's design and manufacturer specifications.
Do I need an alignment after getting new tires?
Not necessarily. It's worth checking if the previous tires wore unevenly or the vehicle already has pulling, steering or suspension symptoms.
Can hitting a pothole cause alignment problems?
A significant pothole or road impact can affect alignment and may also damage tires, wheels, steering or suspension components.
Can bad alignment ruin tires?
Incorrect alignment can contribute to accelerated or uneven tire wear. Correcting the alignment won't restore tread that has already worn away.
Why is my car still pulling after an alignment?
Alignment isn't the only cause of pulling. Tire condition, tire pressure, brakes, steering and suspension problems can produce similar symptoms and may require further diagnosis.
Think Your Car Needs an Alignment?
Your car shouldn't require a wrestling match every morning on Loop 101. If you notice that your vehicle is pulling, the steering wheel is off-center or the tires are wearing unevenly, Gemba Automotive can inspect the tires, steering and suspension and measure the alignment to determine what's actually causing the problem.
Schedule an alignment inspection at your nearest Gemba Automotive location and find out what's really making your car fight the road.