How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?
Usually about an hour for a standard four-wheel alignment. Budget a bit more if the shop finds worn suspension parts that have to be dealt with first, or if bolts are seized - which happens more often here than in milder climates.
What is a wheel alignment, exactly?
An alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels so they sit correctly relative to the road and to each other. Nothing is bent or replaced in a normal alignment - the technician is adjusting three angles back to the manufacturer’s specification.
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel viewed from the front. Toe is whether the wheels point slightly toward or away from each other viewed from above. Caster is the steering axis angle, which affects straight-line stability and how the wheel returns to centre after a turn. Get these wrong and the tire is effectively dragged sideways a little with every kilometre you drive, which is exactly why misalignment destroys tires.
Why Edmonton potholes make this a regular job
Freeze-thaw cycling is hard on pavement, and Edmonton gets a lot of it. Spring is pothole season, and a solid hit is one of the most common ways alignment gets knocked out. Hitting a curb on an icy corner does it too. If you have taken a real jolt and the car has felt different since, that is worth checking rather than waiting to see how the tires wear.
Signs your alignment is out
The clearest sign is the car pulling to one side on a flat, straight road. Another is the steering wheel sitting crooked while you are driving straight ahead. Look at your tires too: wear that is heavier on the inside or outside edge than in the middle is a classic misalignment pattern. Some people also notice a vibration or a slightly loose, wandering feel that requires constant small corrections.
One caution: a pull can also come from uneven tire pressure or a brake problem, so it is worth having it looked at rather than assuming.
When should you get one?
Any of the symptoms above, after a hard pothole or curb impact, when you buy new tires so they start life wearing evenly, and after suspension or steering work. Many drivers also have it checked once a year, and in Edmonton spring is the sensible time - right after pothole season and around when winter tires come off.
Book an alignment
An alignment is cheap insurance against a set of tires. If your car has been pulling, or you have taken a hard hit, book online or call (780) 477-9888 for a quote on your vehicle. Our work is backed by a 1-year/20,000 km warranty. We are at 11765 95 Street NW, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.