Tire Basics
maintenance
Oil Change
Tire Related
Wheel Alignment
We’ll check that your vehicle’s alignment meets your manufacturer’s specs for free. If you do need an alignment, our tire technicians will make front-end or rear-end adjustments to bring your wheels back to their proper alignment. Scheduling your appointment today will help improve your vehicle’s steering and target proper tread wear.
Select this service if:
- Your tire treads are worn on one edge
- Your vehicle pulls to one side on a straight road
- Your steering wheel is loose or hard to turn
Need help deciding? Come on in for a free alignment check.
About Our Wheel Alignment Service
What's Included with a Wheel Alignment Service?
First, we’ll use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to see if your wheels meet your vehicle manufacturer’s precise alignment specifications. If it turns out you need an alignment, we’ll:
- Make front-end and/or rear-end mechanical alignment adjustments
- Verify that your new alignment readings meet your vehicle manufacturer's specifications (if applicable)
What is the Importance of a Wheel Alignment?
Proper wheel alignment creates a smoother ride by minimizing steering pull and vehicle wander. It also can save you hundreds of dollars on replacing tires due to premature tread wear.
How Often Should You Get an Alignment?
Most manufacturers recommend getting a four-wheel alignment at least once a year. Other times you may need a four-wheel or front-end alignment include:
- When installing a new set of tires
- After hitting a bad pothole or steep curb
- Following an accident or collision
At Goodyear Auto Service centers, we can perform both a 'front-end' alignment or a 'four-wheel' alignment, depending on the symptoms you may be experiencing when driving your vehicle.
Your vehicle is properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound and when the tire and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front-or rear-tire wear, or changes in your vehicle's handling or steering response (i.e. pulling to one side) can indicate misalignment. Your vehicle may need a 'front-end' alignment or a 'four-wheel' alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing.
It’s common to ask, ‘How Much is an Alignment?’, but the moderate cost of having your vehicle aligned can more than pay for itself in tire mileage, performance and comfort. Goodyear Auto Service centers can provide expert alignment should your vehicle need it.
Your alignment should be checked annually, or whenever you notice abnormal tire wear, a crooked steering wheel, or a drift in the steering system.
A wheel alignment adjusts your vehicle's suspension – not the tires or wheels themselves — to impact the angles at which your tires make contact with the road. This helps to ensure proper tread wear and precise steering.
Tire balancing (or wheel balancing) and tire alignment are two different services that can fix inconsistencies your vehicle develops over time. Tire balancing corrects an unevenness in your tires, which is commonly caused over time by tread wear. Tire balance and rotation is recommended every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months—or when you experience unusual vibration.
Tire alignment corrects the angle of your wheels by adjusting your vehicle’s suspension. This helps maintain proper tread wear and precise steering. Your tire alignment should be checked annually, or when you notice abnormal tire wear, a crooked steering wheel, or a drift in the steering system.
Yes, hitting large potholes can cause misalignment. Learn more about the known and unknown damages potholes may cause in our dive into Pothole Tire Damage.