Everything You Need to Know About Wheel Alignments (And Why Walmart Doesn‘t Do Them)

As a savvy consumer and vehicle owner, you know that staying on top of regular maintenance is key to keeping your car running safely and efficiently. But with so many services to keep track of, it‘s easy for something like wheel alignment to fall by the wayside. In fact, a recent study by IMR Inc. found that nearly one-third of vehicles on the road have misaligned wheels – a problem that can lead to premature tire wear, reduced fuel economy, and compromised handling.

Content Navigation show

So if you‘re overdue for an alignment or just curious about what this service entails, you‘re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about wheel alignments, including:

What a wheel alignment is and why it‘s important
Signs that your vehicle needs an alignment
How often alignments should be performed
The different types of alignments and when each is needed
Where to get an alignment done and what it typically costs
Why you can‘t get an alignment at Walmart (despite their many other auto services)

By the end of this article, you‘ll be an alignment expert armed with the knowledge to keep your vehicle driving straight and true. Let‘s get started!

What is a Wheel Alignment and Why Does It Matter?

In simple terms, a wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of your vehicle‘s wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This is done by tweaking three main measurements:

Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front. Too much positive or negative camber can cause uneven tire wear.
Toe: The extent to which the tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above. Improper toe alignment is a common cause of rapid or uneven tire wear.
Caster: The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side. Caster affects steering feel and stability.

When all three of these angles are properly aligned, your vehicle will track straight, steer easily, and enjoy even tire wear. Neglecting alignment, on the other hand, can lead to some costly consequences. Consider this:

According to Firestone, misaligned wheels can cause tires to wear out up to 50% faster.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that proper tire alignment can improve fuel economy by up to 7%.
Misalignment can cause pull to one side, shaky steering, and squealing tires – all safety hazards.

In short, alignment affects everything from tire longevity to fuel efficiency to vehicle control. It‘s a key part of any maintenance regimen.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alignment

So how can you tell if your car is out of alignment? Here are five red flags to watch for:

Uneven or rapid tire wear: If you notice that your tires are wearing down much faster than expected, or wearing unevenly (more on the inside or outside edge), misalignment is a likely culprit.
Vehicle pulling to one side: Does your car constantly drift to the left or right, even when the steering wheel is centered? This is a telltale sign of misalignment.
Crooked steering wheel: If you‘re driving straight but your steering wheel is off-center, that‘s a strong indication that your wheels are out of whack.
Squealing tires: Misaligned tires can "scrub" against the road, causing a high-pitched squealing noise. If you hear this sound frequently, have your alignment checked.
Vibrating steering wheel: A shaky or vibrating steering wheel, particularly at higher speeds, can be a symptom of misaligned wheels.

If you‘re experiencing any of these issues, it‘s time for an alignment check. Catching misalignment early can prevent further damage and more costly repairs down the line.

How Often Should You Get an Alignment?

The general rule of thumb is to have your alignment checked every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, there are a few factors that can necessitate more frequent alignments:

Driving habits: If you frequently travel on rough, pothole-ridden roads or have a tendency to hit curbs, you may need alignments more often.
Vehicle type: Sportier cars with stiffer, more precise suspensions may require more regular alignments to maintain optimal handling.
Suspension modifications: If you‘ve raised or lowered your vehicle, or installed new suspension components, an alignment is necessary to ensure everything is adjusted properly.

To put this in perspective, consider these statistics:

The average American drives around 13,500 miles per year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This means most people need an alignment on a roughly annual basis.
AAA reports that pothole damage costs U.S. drivers $3 billion annually. If you do hit a nasty pothole, an alignment check is a smart idea.
A survey by KYB Americas found that 37% of cars had worn suspension components. Worn shocks, struts, ball joints, and other components can cause misalignment.

The bottom line? Pay attention to how your car drives and feels, and err on the side of caution when it comes to alignments. It‘s a small investment that can save you money and headaches in the long run.

Where to Get an Alignment and What It Costs

Now that we‘ve established the importance of regular wheel alignments, you might be wondering where to get this service done. The good news is that most auto service providers – including dealerships, tire centers, and general repair shops – offer alignment services. The bad news? You won‘t find this service at Walmart, even though they do offer other basic auto maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations.

So why doesn‘t Walmart do alignments? It mostly comes down to the specialized equipment and training required. Computerized alignment machines can cost upwards of $40,000, a significant investment for a store not solely focused on auto services. Plus, performing an alignment requires dedicated bay space and specially trained technicians. For a high-volume, low-margin business like Walmart, it simply doesn‘t make financial sense to offer this niche service.

But fear not – there are plenty of other places to get an alignment. Here‘s a quick price comparison of some popular national chains:

Provider	Avg. Cost (Front-End)	Avg. Cost (Four-Wheel)
Firestone Complete Auto	$80	$100
Goodyear Auto Service	$80	$100
Big O Tires	$79	$99
Pep Boys	$80	$110
Sears Auto Center	$75	$95

As you can see, prices are generally in the $75 to $110 range, with four-wheel alignments costing slightly more than front-end adjustments. Keep in mind that these are average prices – the exact cost for your vehicle may vary based on make, model, and location.

It‘s also worth noting that wheel alignments have relatively low profit margins compared to other common repair services. While a shop might make a 50% profit on an oil change, the margin on an alignment is more like 20-30%. This means shops have to perform a higher volume of alignments to make the service worthwhile, which is why you‘ll often see coupons and discounts advertised.

How an Alignment Works: The Inside Scoop

If you‘re curious about what actually happens during an alignment, here‘s a quick rundown of the process:

The vehicle is driven onto an alignment rack, which allows the wheels to spin freely.
Targets or sensors are attached to each wheel, which communicate with a computer to provide precise measurements of camber, toe, and caster angles.
The technician compares these measurements to the manufacturer‘s specifications for your specific make and model.
If any angles are out of spec, the technician makes precise adjustments to the suspension components (usually tie rod ends and control arms) to bring the angles into alignment.
The vehicle is test-driven to ensure proper alignment and handling.

The entire process usually takes about an hour, although some vehicles may require more time if extensive adjustments are needed. Shops use sophisticated equipment to ensure the most accurate measurements and adjustments possible. The Hunter HawkEye Elite system, for example, uses four high-resolution cameras to measure alignments to within 0.01 degrees – much more precise than the naked eye could achieve.

While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt alignments at home with a set of jack stands and a tape measure, it‘s generally best to leave this service to the professionals. Improper adjustments can do more harm than good, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling. Plus, modern alignment equipment can detect worn suspension components that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Choosing an Alignment Shop: Tips and Red Flags

So how can you ensure you‘re getting a quality alignment at a fair price? Here are a few tips:

Look for shops with modern, computerized alignment equipment. Newer systems tend to be more accurate and efficient than older, mechanical setups.
Check online reviews and ratings. See what other customers have to say about their experience, and look for shops with consistently high marks.
Ask about the technician‘s qualifications. A good shop will employ ASE-certified technicians who have been trained in the latest alignment techniques.
Get a clear explanation of what‘s included in the price. Some shops may charge extra for adjustments to the rear wheels or for resetting steering angle sensors.
Be wary of shops that try to upsell you on unnecessary services. A reputable technician will only recommend what your vehicle truly needs based on a thorough inspection.

And if you want to ensure your alignment lasts as long as possible, here are a few bonus tips:

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause misalignment and uneven wear.
Replace worn suspension components promptly. Ball joints, bushings, shocks, and struts can all affect alignment if they‘re past their prime.
Avoid potholes and curbs. Easier said than done, we know, but dodging road hazards can help maintain proper alignment.
Don‘t overload your vehicle. Hauling excessive weight can strain suspension components and throw off alignment.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your vehicle stays straight and steady for miles to come.

The Bottom Line on Wheel Alignments

At the end of the day, wheel alignment is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that shouldn‘t be overlooked. While it may not be as top-of-mind as oil changes or tire rotations, alignment plays a key role in your car‘s safety, efficiency, and longevity. And even though you can‘t get this service done at Walmart, there are plenty of other reputable shops that can get the job done right.

By staying on top of your alignment needs and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy better handling, longer tire life, improved fuel economy, and a smoother overall ride. So the next time you hit a pothole or notice your car pulling to one side, don‘t ignore it – make an appointment with a trusted alignment provider and get back on the straight and narrow. Your car (and your wallet) will thank you in the long run.