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Wheel Alignments

Precision Wheel Alignments in Steger, New Lenox, Crown Point, and Schererville

Like oil changes and brake service, wheel alignments, are a regular service item that keeps your car driving reliably and safely. A wheel alignment should be performed once a year at minimum, or if you get into an accident, modify your suspension, or install new tires.

Symptoms of improper wheel alignment can include:

  • Vehicle pulling to one side
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Squealing tires
  • Noisy steering

    • Having your wheels properly aligned can improve fuel efficiency, ride comfort, reduce repairs, and help your tires last longer.

    During an alignment, your car goes on a rack where sensors take measurements of the current alignment of your wheels. The technician performing the alignment adjusts three different suspension angles as needed.

    The Three Angles We Adjust

    • Toe: whether the fronts of the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above. Incorrect toe is the biggest cause of rapid, feathered tire wear.
    • Camber: the inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front. Too much wears one edge of the tread.
    • Caster: the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side. It affects straight-line stability and how the steering wheel returns to center.

    Front-End vs. Four-Wheel Alignment

    A front-end (two-wheel) alignment adjusts only the front wheels and is common on vehicles with a solid rear axle. A four-wheel alignment adjusts both axles and is needed for most vehicles with independent rear suspension, including many cars, crossovers, and AWD vehicles. We’ll perform the type your vehicle’s manufacturer specifies.

    Alignment Protects Your Tire Investment

    A set of tires is a real investment, and a car that’s out of alignment can wear them out thousands of miles early. Because we’re a full-service tire shop, we recommend checking alignment whenever you buy new tires. It’s the simplest way to get the full life out of them.

    After a Lift Kit or Suspension Repair

    Lifting or leveling a truck, or replacing tie rods, control arms, or struts, changes your alignment angles. We align vehicles after lift kit installs and suspension repairs so everything drives straight and wears evenly.

    Wheel Alignments at Scott’s U-Save

    The ASE-certified technicians at Scott’s U-Save are trained to perform wheel alignments. The teams at our three locations in New Lenox, IL, Crown Point, IN Schererville, IN, and Steger, IL will make sure your wheels are correctly aligned, saving you money on gas and tires, all while making your car safer to drive. Give us a call or schedule an appointment today!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does a wheel alignment take?
    Most alignments take about an hour. Rusted or seized adjustment points, common on vehicles that see Midwest winters, can add time.

    Is a wheel alignment the same as a tire balance?
    No. An alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels so the car tracks straight. Balancing adds small weights so each wheel and tire spins smoothly without vibration. Both help your tires last.

    Can hitting a pothole knock my alignment out?
    Yes. A hard pothole or curb strike is one of the most common causes. If your car pulls or the steering wheel is off-center afterward, have it checked.

    Why is my steering wheel crooked when I drive straight?
    An off-center steering wheel usually means the alignment is out of spec, or a steering or suspension part has been bent or worn.

    Do I need an alignment when I buy new tires?
    It’s strongly recommended. Starting new tires on a properly aligned vehicle helps prevent uneven wear and protects your investment.

    Areas We Service