How much does Wheel alignment cost?

Few car maintenance items are as important as wheel alignment for fuel economy and tire wear. If your tires show uneven wear, or if your vehicle is rattling, shaking, or pulling to one side while driving, there’s a good chance your vehicle has alignment problems. 

Wheel alignment is often referred to as tire alignment or car alignment, but not all alignment services are the same. Some alignments only impact the front wheels, while others include all 4 wheels. Others may require additional services that come at an extra cost.

“You should have your vehicle’s alignment checked at least every 6 months,” advises auto repair expert Justin Cupler, former ASE-certified technician and shop manager. “Expect to have it adjusted at least once a year.”

Use this guide to learn the average cost of wheel alignment and any extra fees associated with the service, as well as how to find a wheel alignment professional for your car. 

Wheel alignments generally cost $50-150, and is necessary in the following scenarios:

“Many shops will check your alignment for $20 or less—some even offer free alignment checks,” says Cupler.

There are two types of wheel alignments: 2-wheel and 4-wheel.

Two-wheel alignment, also known as front-end alignment, adjusts only the front wheels. Two-wheel alignments are typically performed on older vehicles and those with fixed rear axles, like pickup trucks and some SUVs. Average cost: $50–75.

Four-wheel alignment adjusts the front and rear wheels. Most modern cars, SUVs, and vans require a four-wheel alignment. Average cost: $100–150. 

When a shop performs an alignment, they may find additional things wrong with your car that must be fixed before alignment can be completed. They include:

Damaged tie-rod ends. These help turn the front wheels with commands from the steering wheel. If they’re damaged due to age or other factors, the shop will need to replace them to perform the alignment. It’ll cost $100–200, including parts and labor.

Bad ball joints. This suspension component mitigates the up and down motion of wheels as you hit bumps. If they’ve gone bad, the shop will need to replace these at a cost of $300–700, including parts and labor.

Worn out camber bolts. This part controls the inward or outward tilt of the car’s tires when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Camber bolts can get damaged or worn out due to time, rust, or impacting objects on the road. Replacing a bolt will cost $35–100. 

The amount you’ll spend on an alignment can vary based on several factors, including: 

You can save money on your next wheel alignment with these quick tips:  

How do I know my vehicle needs an alignment?

If your vehicle is rattling, shaking, or pulling to one side while driving, or if your tires exhibit uneven wear, these are tell-tale signs of misalignment. 

Is an alignment worth it?

Yes, an alignment is well worth the expense. First, proper alignment maximizes the life of your tires and driving comfort. It can also prevent you from accidentally drifting out of your lane. Plus, an out-of-spec alignment can increase the amount of work your powertrain must do to move the vehicle, negatively impacting fuel efficiency. 

How often should I get an alignment?

When you have any steering or suspension work done, any time you install new tires, if you hit a pothole particularly hard, and at regular 6-month intervals.

Is an alignment covered by my car insurance? 

As a maintenance procedure, no. However, if your car needs an alignment due to an accident your insurance company covered, it should also include the alignment cost. Check your policy details.

Find a wheel alignment professional in your area.