How Long Does a Wheel Alignment Take?
2 Answers
Generally, new vehicles should undergo a wheel alignment after 3 months of driving. Subsequently, it is recommended to perform a wheel alignment every 10,000 kilometers, after tire rotation, and following any collision. Below is an introduction to wheel alignment: 1. Proper wheel alignment ensures flexible steering, comfortable seating, maintains straight-line driving, extends tire lifespan, and reduces road-induced vibrations. Additionally, a wheel alignment is necessary when the vehicle exhibits symptoms such as heavy steering, pulling to one side, abnormal tire wear, or steering wheel vibration. 2. Wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusting them to ensure optimal driving performance and a certain level of reliability.
I remember the last time I got a wheel alignment for my car was at the repair shop near my home, and the whole process took about 40 minutes. Generally, the normal time ranges between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the vehicle model—for example, SUVs might take a few more minutes to adjust compared to smaller cars. It also depends on the equipment—laser alignment machines are faster, while older tools are slower. The technician's experience is also crucial; skilled workers get the job done more efficiently. That day, there was a queue at the shop, so I had to wait a bit. I noticed that a proper wheel alignment can prevent uneven tire wear or steering wheel vibrations, making it quite worthwhile to do regularly, especially since replacing new tires is much more expensive. If you feel instability while driving, it’s safer to get an alignment done as soon as possible.
