Your automobile will go out of alignment over time. When you hit bumps and potholes on the road, hit a curb, or run over debris in the road, your wheels might shift out of their ideal positions. When this happens, instead of functioning in perfect unison, they may begin to operate against one other. To restore everything back to normal, they need to push a reset button. This is what happens when an alignment is performed by an auto mechanic in Santee.
Measurements for a Wheel Alignment
Mechanics used to spend a lot of time taking measurements and changing each wheel as needed to get everything back in perfect alignment. An alignment entails a variety of measures. The following are the most common:
- Caster. The front-to-back measurement of your wheel, or how it sits in respect to the steering arm, is referred to as a caster. It can cause issues if the wheel is too far forward or backward, especially if the wheel on the other side of the automobile is in a different position.
- Camber. When viewed from the front or rear, camber refers to the side to side position, or lean, of your wheel. You’ll notice excessive tire wear on the inside or outside of the tire if the wheel is tilting too far to one side or the other. From a vertical viewpoint, the wheel should be absolutely level.
- Toe-In or Toe-Out. When gazing down from the top, toe-in and toe-out relate to the position of the wheel. The steering wheel should be oriented straight ahead, not to one side or the other. A small toe in or out may be essential in some situations, but the wheels should always point straight ahead.
In the past, a front-end alignment would entail the technician measuring each of these angles and locations to ensure that everything was aligned properly with the two front wheels. Things have gotten a lot simpler in recent years.
How Long Does It Take to Perform an Alignment?
“How long does an alignment take?” is a common question. A good alignment generally takes a technician roughly an hour to do, providing no serious issues arise during the process. A tire alignment at your local ASE-certified vehicle repair shop should cost between $75 and $150. Some high-end automobiles, such as Mercedes and others, will cost you extra. Because of the specialized instruments required and the strict manufacturer’s standards that must be followed, an alignment on these cars can cost up to $500.
Have your alignment performed at a quality auto repair shop in Santee today.
Alignment Repair in Santee
For many years, Automobile Repair Shop San Diego has provided high-quality auto repair in Santee. We give you hassle-free quotations and repairs in San Diego after a thorough assessment of your vehicle’s current issues. We’ll tow your vehicle for free, offer a rental car, and work directly with your insurance company to speed up the auto repair process. We’ll even pay up to $500 toward your deductible. Call (619) 330-0862 right now to discover more about how we can help you.