What is a wheel alignment?

An alignment is not an adjustment to your tires and wheels themselves, but rather an adjustment to your suspension - the system connecting your vehicle to its wheels. The alignment service consists of adjusting tire angles to those recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

When your wheels are not properly aligned, all sorts of things can go wrong: poor engine performance, accelerated tire wear, decreased gas mileage, stressed braking, and a bumpy ride for you and your passengers. Constantly tugging the steering wheel to keep your car straight isn’t just annoying - it’s tiring.

Here’s the good news: you can get an alignment check for FREE at any Brakes Plus location. Our state-of-the-art equipment (it really is pretty fancy) will help save you time and money.

What are the signs of bad wheel alignment?

• Tires wearing unevenly or faster than usual

• Vehicle pulling to one side while driving straight

• Steering wheel sitting crooked even when wheels are pointed forward

• Vibration in the steering wheel while cruising

If you’re experiencing one or more of these, it’s time to get your alignment checked.

What’s included in a free alignment check?

When you bring your car to Brakes Plus for a free alignment check, here’s what you can expect:

• Test drive - Our technician will personally drive your vehicle, looking for symptoms of poor alignment.

• Tire pressure check - We make sure under- or over-inflated tires aren’t the root cause.

• Alignment measurement - With specialized equipment, we analyze the exact alignment of each wheel.

• Computerized printout - You’ll get a detailed report of your alignment results, plus options and recommendations if adjustments are needed.

How often should you get a wheel alignment?

Many vehicle manufacturers recommend having your alignment inspected at the same time you get your oil changed. But alignment issues often come from a single hard impact, like hitting a pothole or clipping a curb.

If you suspect something feels off, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment or stop by your local Brakes Plus and we’ll check it out for free.