How Much Does an Alignment Cost?

If your car’s pulling to one side or your steering wheel’s off-center, it might be time for a tire alignment — and yes, it comes with a cost. So, how much is a tire alignment? It depends.

The cost typically ranges from $50 to $170. That number shifts based on your vehicle type, who’s doing the service, and what type of alignment you need. Some shops may also bundle it with other services or offer it as part of a package deal.

It’s not the cheapest line item on a maintenance bill but skipping it can cost more down the road. A proper alignment can extend your tire life, improve fuel economy, and keep your car driving straight — literally and financially.

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Key takeaways

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• The typical wheel alignment costs between $50 and $170.
• Factors that can affect the price include the type of alignment, type of suspension system and parts and labor costs.
• You can save money on wheel alignments by shopping for a deal, bundling services or signing up for a service plan.

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What is a wheel alignment?

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A wheel alignment adjusts your vehicle’s suspension system to control how the tires interact with the road. It changes the angle or tilt of the tire when seen from the front (camber), or top (toe) as well as the steering axis (caster). 

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If your wheels are misaligned, it means they’re tilted the wrong way. That can affect the way your car handles. Misalignment can be a safety issue, since your car may pull strongly to one side of the road or the other, affecting steering and stability. It can also decrease your car’s fuel efficiency since it has to work harder to stay on the road. 

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And since the tires aren’t rolling evenly along the road, they can wear out earlier on the inner or outer edge — meaning you’ll need to buy new tires more often, which can add up. The alignment cost is more than worth it to avoid other more serious (and expensive) problems.

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To avoid safety problems and excess wear and tear on your vehicle, you should get an alignment check at least once a year, or more often if you tend to drive on dirt, gravel, potholes or other rough conditions. 

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How much is a tire alignment?

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So how much does an alignment cost, exactly? The national average price for a wheel alignment is between $50 and $170, but it varies depending on how many tires are being aligned.

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Two-wheel alignments (also called front-end alignments) are typically at the lower end of the range. They’ll usually run about $60 or $70 for the average vehicle. 

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Four-wheel alignments are more comprehensive, and therefore generally at the higher end of the range, running about $100 to $175 for the average vehicle. If you have a car with four-wheel drive (4WD), all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive with an independent rear suspension, you’ll want a four-wheel alignment.

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What factors affect wheel alignment cost?

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As with many car services, alignment cost can vary widely depending on where you live and what type of car you drive. These factors influence how long it takes to perform the service and how much it costs for the parts.

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• Vehicle type: Alignment for sedans and smaller vehicles tend to cost less than trucks, SUVs and luxury vehicles.
• Suspension type: Advanced suspension systems and ADAS calibration (for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) can increase the cost, as they require specialized technicians. 
• Local costs: Labor costs and shop rates vary by location, with services tending to cost more in high-density areas with higher demand.
• Additional services: If your vehicle requires additional services such as tire balancing or suspension adjustments, that can add to the cost.

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How to lower your alignment cost

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It’s important to keep your car in good working condition, but regular service can add up. If you want to save on your alignment cost, try a few of these tips:

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• Shop around: Compare prices at several service providers to find the best deal for your vehicle.
• Take advantage of discounts: Use coupons, specials and promotional offers to reduce the price of a wheel alignment when you need it.
• Bundle and save: Scheduling several services at once, such as an alignment, tire rotation and oil change, could save money.
• Consider an extended service plan: Look for a vehicle service contract that covers wheel alignments, as not all of them do.

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Even if it seems expensive, don’t skimp on maintenance and upkeep for your car, including wheel alignments. Keeping up with these services ensures your car stays safe and reliable for every drive. 

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If you’re struggling with your budget, you may want to consider other ways to lower your monthly car expenses instead. For instance, refinancing your auto loan can decrease your loan payment, freeing up cash for maintenance and other important repairs.

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FAQs

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Below are a few frequently asked questions about alignment cost. 

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How do I know if my car needs an alignment?

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A big clue that your car needs an alignment is if the vehicle pulls to one side. Also watch for an off-center steering wheel, a “loose” feeling in the steering or shaking in the steering system at certain speeds. You may also notice uneven wear on your tire treads. 

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Why is my car pulling to one side?

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If your car pulls to the side when driving, it could be an indication that your wheels are not aligned properly. Misaligned wheels may point or tilt the wrong way, which affects steering. 

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What can I do if I can't afford my car's maintenance cost?

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If you can’t afford the cost of maintenance for your car, first shop around for a repair shop with lower prices. You might also ask if they allow payment plans or offer any discounts. You may also need to rework your budget to make room for the cost of maintenance.

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Is it better to get an alignment at a dealership or a tire shop?

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If you want brand-specific service, then a dealership could be the right choice. But if you want a technician who specializes in alignments, then a tire shop will likely be the better option for you. Tire shops may offer more affordable service, too.

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