A four-wheel alignment typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours under normal conditions.
Time Breakdown:
| Situation | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Standard alignment (no issues) | 1 hour |
| Minor adjustments needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Worn or damaged suspension parts | 2+ hours |
| Performance or custom vehicle setups | 1.5–3 hours |
What Can Add Time?
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Worn suspension parts (like tie rods or ball joints) that must be replaced before alignment.
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Rusty or seized bolts (especially in older vehicles).
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Aftermarket suspension systems that require custom specs.
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Resetting electronic steering angle sensors on newer vehicles.
What’s Done During a 4-Wheel Alignment?
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Inspect tires and suspension
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Adjust camber, caster, and toe angles on all 4 wheels
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Center the steering wheel
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Test drive (sometimes)
✅ Quick Tip
Even if your car “drives straight,” it’s smart to get an alignment every 12,000–15,000 miles or after:
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Hitting a curb or pothole
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Installing new tires
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Steering or suspension work
How Often You You Get A Wheel Alignment Done?
You should get a wheel alignment every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or once a year, whichever comes first. However, it may need to be done sooner depending on your driving conditions or signs of misalignment.
✅ Recommended Wheel Alignment Schedule:
| Situation | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Normal driving (highways, city) | Every 12–15K miles or yearly |
| Rough roads, potholes, off-roading | Every 6–12K miles |
| After hitting curb or pothole | Immediately check alignment |
| New tires or suspension parts installed | Align right after installation |
| Uneven tire wear or steering issues | Get checked right away |
Signs You May Need an Alignment Sooner:
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Car pulls left or right
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Steering wheel is off-center
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Uneven or rapid tire wear
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Steering feels loose or shaky
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Poor fuel economy (misalignment increases rolling resistance)
Tip:
Even if you don’t notice any issues, routine alignments can:
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Extend tire life
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Improve fuel efficiency
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Reduce suspension wear
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Enhance steering and safety
Will Wheel Alignments Lengthen The Life Of Your Car?
Wheel alignments absolutely help extend the life of your car—particularly the tires, suspension system, and steering components. While an alignment doesn’t directly increase engine or transmission life, it prevents long-term wear and tear that can lead to expensive repairs.
How Wheel Alignments Help Your Car Last Longer
1. Preserves Tire Life
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Proper alignment ensures even tire wear.
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Misaligned wheels cause rapid edge wear or cupping, shortening tire life by thousands of miles.
2. Reduces Strain on Suspension and Steering
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Misalignment puts undue stress on ball joints, tie rods, control arms, and bushings.
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Reduces the need for premature suspension repairs.
3. Improves Fuel Efficiency
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Aligned wheels roll more smoothly, lowering rolling resistance.
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This improves gas mileage, reducing wear on the drivetrain.
4. Enhances Handling and Safety
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Keeps your steering accurate and predictable.
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Reduces risk of losing control in emergency situations.
5. Protects Other Systems
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Helps maintain balance between braking, traction control, and ABS systems.
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Prevents uneven drag or rolling resistance that stresses your drivetrain.
✅ Bottom Line:
Getting a wheel alignment once a year (or as needed) will:
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Save you hundreds in premature tire and suspension wear
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Improve safety and ride comfort
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Indirectly extend the lifespan of your vehicle by preventing costly side effects of misalignment
Heath’s Auto Service In Cottonwood, AZ
At Heath’s Auto Service, our comprehensive range of services covers everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs. Our certified technicians are skilled in handling oil changes, brake inspections, engine diagnostics, tire rotations, and much more. Whether it’s a minor tune-up or a major overhaul, trust us to get you back on the road with confidence. Contact our team at Heath’s Auto Service today!
