Schedule an Appointment | Tires, Wheels, Brakes & Alignment (2024)

FAQs

What is the correct order for a wheel alignment? ›

4-Wheel Alignment: Is usually done on vehicles with front and rear independent suspension systems. The thrust line should be checked, then adjustments should be made to rear camber then toe. Next, the front wheels should be adjusted, by first setting caster, followed by camber and toe.

A: Wheel alignment can cost from R200 – R500, depending on the type of wheel. 3. How much does wheel balancing cost? A: Wheel balancing costs between R40 – R50 each depending on the type of tyre.

Yes, you can get an alignment before buying new tires.

It doesn't matter whether you get your alignment before or after having your new tires put on.

Under normal circ*mstances, a wheel alignment will take an average of one hour, whether it's a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle. If there's too much wear and tear or damage on the suspension system, steering bushing, track rod, or other parts, it'll take a longer time as some components have to be replaced.

Alignments are Worth Every Penny

Vehicle maintenance is a necessary burden for anyone who wants to keep their auto running for as long as possible. The prospect of spending around $70 to $100 or more for a wheel alignment can be frustrating, but it's money well spent.

While both services contribute to a smoother ride, tire balancing and wheel alignment are not the same services. A tire balance corrects the weight imbalance on your tire and wheel assemblies, while an alignment corrects the angles of the tires so they always come in contact with the road in the right way.

An alignment is not a time-consuming procedure and should typically take an hour or less. A four-wheel alignment (as opposed to a front-wheel one) will take a little longer and if the mechanic finds broken or worn-out parts in the suspension system, replacing them will take longer as well.

The quick and short answer: Yes. You can get an alignment with bad tires or even before buying new tires. Many experts agree that the only effect worn tires have on your wheel alignment is a change to the ride height. Also, this effect should be negligible, given today's steering and suspension design.

For example, if you're only replacing one or two tires, rather than all four, it's unlikely that this will affect your vehicle's alignment. In these cases, you may not need a wheel alignment unless you're experiencing other problems with your vehicle's handling or tire wear.

Do wheels come off for alignment? ›

An alignment does not require removing the wheels. The equipment is attached to the wheels while they are in place.

Neglecting this checkpoint can lead to dangerous problems, including: Steering Problems: When wheels become out of line, they aren't facing in the directions necessary for optimal handling. This means that you may be trying to steer straight, and the vehicle is veering in a completely different direction.

When you don't align your tires, they can begin to wear quickly and unevenly. This wear can cause safety issues and make your ride less smooth, since crooked wheels can cause jerking and chattering. A bad alignment also means you will have to replace your tires sooner than expected.

A front-end alignment usually costs between $65 and $100 (some brands, of course, are more). At that price, it should be a regular part of your car care regime. To make an alignment even more economical, some car care facilities offer lifetime alignment packages for around $200.

Therefore, the correct sequence of events in any alignment job is: Safety: Lockout & tag out plus clean up. Rough Align. Find, diagnose, and eliminate Soft Foot.