What is the average price of a wheel alignment?

If you own a vehicle, you know as a responsible driver that there are a number of technical services and maintenance that you must perform in order to maintain your safety on the road as well as your comfort. Among these various revisions of parts or mechanical systems to be carried out, some are very simple and you can do them yourself such as topping up the oil or windshield washer fluid, but several on the other hand require the intervention of professional mechanics such as replacing brake discs and pads or changing tires in winter and spring, mandatory by law.

One of the technical services that you should also carry out in a professional garage is the wheel alignment of your vehicle. What does it consist of and how much can you expect for a wheel alignment? In this article you will find all the information regarding the price of a wheel alignment.

What is vehicle wheel alignment?

The wheel alignment of a vehicle also called automotive alignment or parallelism or wheel geometry is a technical revision that allows better control of your vehicle, ensures safe driving and reduces your fuel consumption. Indeed, wheel alignment allows good road holding and good stability of your vehicle by keeping the wheels of your vehicle perfectly aligned with each other and with the road. In simplified terms, automotive alignment therefore consists of adjusting the four wheels of the vehicle so that they are perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other.

Over the mileage you drive, your car’s wheels can become misaligned. This is why it is recommended that you have your vehicle’s wheels aligned at a professional garage once a year or every 20,000 km. Ideally, the alignment should be done when you change your tires each season.

Symptoms of a Wheel Alignment Problem

There are several signs that can tell you that your vehicle’s wheels need to be aligned, the main ones are:

• You notice that your tires are wearing out prematurely or abnormally, unevenly or irregularly. As a result, the life of your tires is reduced.
• You notice that one tire on your vehicle, always the same one, is often more deflated than the others.
• Your fuel consumption is increasing abnormally.
• When you are driving in a straight line, you feel like your steering wheel is turning or your vehicle is pulling to the left or right.
• After taking a sharp turn, your car’s steering wheel has difficulty returning to the center position.
• You have difficulty keeping your vehicle on track, especially when cornering.
• You hear abnormal and strange noises like squeaking.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, for your safety and to keep your vehicle running optimally, it is essential to have a thorough wheel alignment inspection at a professional garage.

Causes of poor wheel alignment

There are many factors that can cause your vehicle’s wheel alignment to be out of alignment, including:

• Road defects such as bumps, holes, speed bumps, etc. In spring in Quebec, the presence of many potholes on the roads is the cause of much damage to the alignment of your vehicle’s wheels.
• You hit an obstacle on the road or a pile of hardened snow in winter.
• You rubbed a sidewalk chain.
• Your vehicle has been in an accident or has suffered significant damage.
• A part of your vehicle’s suspension or steering system has been changed.
• Your vehicle’s ground clearance has been raised or lowered.
• Wear and tear on your car’s suspension such as sagging springs.

The Consequences of Faulty Car Alignment

Improper wheel alignment on a vehicle can have several negative consequences for the vehicle and the safety of the driver. Here are the main ones:

• Premature wear of the tires on the outer or inner edge of the tread. This can lead to a loss of grip, reduced safety on the road and a reduction in the life of the tires.
• Increased fuel consumption: When the wheels are not aligned properly, the tires rub against the road surface unevenly. This creates increased resistance, requiring more effort from the engine to move the vehicle forward. As a result, fuel consumption increases and results in higher costs.
• Steering System Instability: Improper alignment can affect the geometry of your vehicle’s steering system, including the bearings, ball joints, and steering arms. Your vehicle may become unstable and difficult to control on the road.
• Premature wear of suspension components such as shock absorbers, springs, control arms and ball joints leads to costly repairs.
• Loss of grip and control: Poor alignment can affect your vehicle’s handling by reducing the tires’ grip on the road, increasing braking distances and making driving unstable.

The average price of a wheel alignment in Quebec

The price of a wheel alignment can vary depending on several factors, such as the region, the type of vehicle (car, light truck, SUV, etc.), the level of service and the chosen auto repair shop. In Quebec, the average cost of a wheel alignment is therefore generally between $80 and $130.

If you notice one or more symptoms of poor wheel alignment on your vehicle, you need to have them aligned in a professional garage for your safety and driving comfort. For this, you can trust the expert mechanics at Pneus Groupe Unik in Dorval. They efficiently and professionally perform wheel alignment using 3D technology, which allows them to align all types of vehicles and all brands. You will be sure to get the best price for your car’s wheel alignment.