Questions we answer in this article:
- How much is a wheel alignment?
- What are the symptoms of needing an alignment?
- Is it bad to drive without a wheel alignment?
- Where is the nearest place to get a wheel alignment?
Checking your oil. Getting a wheel alignment. Not using e10 fuel if you’re not meant to. They’re all things we know we should do but a lot of us don’t. But not keeping up to date with wheel alignments can be dangerous.
This article will tell you how much you should be paying for a wheel alignment, when to get one, what happens if you don’t and, most importantly, where to get one done near you.
How much is a wheel alignment?
2WD & 4WD Wheel Alignment Price
A standard vehicle with no modifications should cost around the $69 to $100 mark, depending on the size of your car. However, height adjustments (lowering and raising) and performance modifications can set you back more, with prices coming in anywhere between $119 to $150.
Truck Wheel Alignment Price
Trucks and their tyres and larger, so it makes sense they cost more. We found a 1-axle truck wheel alignment starts around the $220–$250 mark, while a twin steer 4-axle truck is up around $500.
Caravan Wheel Alignment Price
Your caravan’s axles will alter the price of your wheel alignment. You’ll be looking at around $150-$180 to $250–$280 for most caravans.
Trailer Wheel Alignment Price
Yup, trailers need wheel alignments too. Again, the price is axle-dependent, but you’re looking at around $150 to $450, depending on what you have.
Always ask for an estimate before booking in your wheel alignment, if you’re worried about how much it costs.
Related car articles:
What are the symptoms of needing an alignment?
How often should you get a wheel alignment?
There are four general occasions you’ll need (or may need) a wheel alignment:
- You’ve had new tyres or suspension components fitted.
- Your wheels have hit a pot hole, kerb or speedbump.
- Every 20,000km or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
- You experience any of the symptoms in the next question and answer.
What are the signs of needing a wheel alignment?
- A tugging or significant (not slowly) drifting to either side.
- Uneven tyre wear (one or more wearing out faster than the others).
- Hearing a creaky, squeaky, rubbing kind of noise.
- Abnormal vibration and shaking of your car.
Is it bad to drive without a wheel alignment?
You won’t care about how much a wheel alignment is after this. The premature wear and tear on your tyres and misalignment make controlling your car more difficult, which can result in accidents. Plus, there are the increase maintenance costs as a result:
- Premature wear and tear of tyres means needing new tyres more frequently.
- Rolling resistance from misalignment increases fuel consumption, also increasing tyre wear.
- Poor wheel alignment can damage suspension components, which can be very costly to repair.
- An accident caused by performance issues related to wheel alignment can incur repair costs, fines, injury or worse.
Where is the nearest place to get a wheel alignment?
Find locally recommended tyre services on Localsearch! Use the search bar below to find your nearest wheel alignment professional.
Feature image source: Hidde van Esch on Unsplash.
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