Auto Alignment

Auto Alignment Services in Surprise & Goodyear, AZ

Top-tier Ford Auto Repair is a Phone Call Away

Champs Family Automotive’s Complete Wheel & Tire Alignment Services

We know you have a lot of things to keep in line in your life, which is why you should trust the experts at Champs Family Automotive in Surprise and Goodyear, AZ with all your auto alignment needs. Our knowledgeable and experienced technicians have all the tools, technology, and expertise necessary to get the job done right so that you can get back on the road safely. Whether you know much about alignments or not, they’re a big job that should be left to the professionals, and we’ve prepared some information for you to help you become more educated on this all-important aspect of your vehicle. Contact Champs Family Automotive today for all your auto & Diesel alignment and repair needs.

Tire Alignments Explained

So, what exactly is a tire or wheel alignment? To put it simply, it’s a service that will help your tires perform properly and last longer. Alignments are also good ways to improve handling and make sure your vehicle doesn’t pull in one direction or vibrate abnormally while you’re driving. When it comes to wheel alignments, it’s all about the angles. The experienced professional technicians at Champs Family Automotive in Surprise & Goodyear, AZ will ensure that your vehicle’s tires are angled correctly, meaning they’re level with the ground, parallel to each other, and pointing straight ahead. This will make handling your vehicle much easier. Tire alignments also help keep you safe and save you money because you won’t need to have your tires replaced nearly as often as you would without this valuable service. The best time to do an alignment is before you begin to experience a problem.

Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment

If you don’t know much about wheel alignments, how can you possibly know if or when you need the service? There are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to bring your vehicle to the trusted neighborhood mechanics at Champs Family Automotive in Surprise & Goodyear, AZ. Like many other auto & Diesel repair services, you shouldn’t put off getting your alignment checked because the problems will get worse over time. The four most common signs that you need an alignment performed on your vehicle are uneven tread wear, steering wheel vibration, your vehicle pulling to the right or left, and your steering wheel being off-center when you’re driving straight are just some of the symptoms you may notice when needing an alignment.

Cambers, Casters, and Toes (Oh My!)

The professionally-trained and certified technicians at Champs Family Automotive will check out three important aspects of your vehicle when performing a tire alignment: the camber, caster, and toe.

Camber – The camber is the inward or outward angle of the tire, as viewed from the front. If there’s too much inward or outward tilt, the result will be negative or positive camber, which means there’s an improper alignment that needs adjusting. Other parts of your car, including worn bearings and ball joints, can also contribute to camber misalignment.
Caster – Your vehicle’s caster angle helps with stability, steering, and cornering. The caster angle is the angle of your steering axis as viewed from the front. Positive caster means that the steering axis tilts toward the driver, while negative caster means that the steering axis tilts to the front.
Toe – Your vehicle’s toe alignment has to do with the extent to which your tires turn outward or inward as viewed from the front. This can be a bit confusing, but just stand up for a moment and take a look down at your feet. Turn them inward, and you have the equivalent of toe-in alignment with your vehicle. If you turn your feet outward, you now have toe-out alignment. Both of these issues need an alignment to be adjusted properly.

Complete Auto Alignment Services in Surprise & Goodyear, AZ

Auto alignments are important services to keep your vehicle performing its best. Champs Family Automotive specializes in 2-wheel alignment 4-wheel alignment & RV alignment services at our two locations in the West Valley. Our trained and experienced mechanics can also replace all worn and damaged steering components to prevent uneven tire wear. If you notice irregular tire wear or one of the signs previously mentioned, contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and our Surprise location is open on Saturday by appointment. We also offer a variety of other auto & Diesel repair services to address air conditioning and heating, belts and hoses, brakes, carburetors, emissions or exhaust systems, hydraulics, electrical systems, suspension and steering, and more. We recommend that you have a wheel alignment performed when new tires are installed. Tire alignments will need to be performed more often if you drive a car with wider tires or a sportier vehicle. If you aren’t sure if you need an alignment, schedule an appointment, and we’ll be happy to help!

Frequently Asked Questions about Wheel Alignment

Do I need an alignment after replacing tires? Do I need an alignment with new tires?

We always recommend whenever you get new tires you should always have an alignment done. The alignment will ensure your vehicle is driving straight down the road and that your tires wear evenly. Most tire shops do not do alignments at their facility it’s usually something you have to schedule with your mechanic after your new tires are put on.

How much is a wheel alignment?

Alignments may vary in price depending on your vehicle if you have 4 wheel drive or 2 wheel drive, over sized rims, lift kit or lowered vehicle. Usually though a standard 2 wheel vehicle alignment is $49.99 and 4 wheel alignment is $69.99 RV’s typically start at $135.00 and do go up from there.

What are the benefits of a wheel alignment?

Suspension and steering parts can wear and bend as your put miles on your vehicle. Worn or bent steering parts can cause the wheels to become out of alignment. When your wheels are not going straight down the road, it can cause premature tire wear, pulling, and can even affect your vehicle’s fuel mileage.

How long does a wheel alignment take?

Depending on your vehicle and if you have over sized rims, lift kits or even a lowered it can take anywhere from 1 hr to a couple hours. It is always best to make an appointment for a vehicle alignment and have your vehicle evaluated and the Service Advisors should be able to relay to you how long your alignment may take. RV alignments may take longer that a typical vehicle alignment.

How do you know when you need a wheel alignment?

The four most common signs that you need an alignment performed on your vehicle are uneven tread wear, steering wheel vibration, your vehicle pulling to the right or left, and your steering wheel being off-center when you’re driving straight are just some of the symptoms you may notice when needing an alignment.

How often do you need a wheel alignment?

As a manufacturer standard, it is recommended you have your vehicle wheel alignment checked every 6,000 to 12,000 miles as preventative maintenance to help extend the life of your tires and make steering your vehicle easier and safer.

How often should I rotate my tires?

We recommend rotating your tires at a minimum every other oil change to help keep your tires wearing evenly and prevent premature tire wear or uneven tire wearing.

Your Neighborhood Automotive and Diesel Specialists

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