Wheel alignments are one crucial car repair or maintenance, ensuring the tires perform efficiently and last longer. However, the cost of such care remains a significant concern for car owners as they seek affordable options.
Walmart is one retail store that supplies various automotive products at affordable rates, and most people would like to know if this store has experts that conduct wheel alignments. So, does Walmart do alignments?
It is often recommendable to seek the assistance of professionals for your wheel alignments.
With that in mind, this article will reveal exciting details about the Walmart auto care center and the Walmart alignment services.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment (sometimes called tire alignment) refers to adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels so that they are perfectly aligned with the manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures that:
- Your tires wear evenly.
- The car drives straight.
- You improve fuel efficiency.
- Your suspension system experiences less stress.
Does Walmart Do Alignments?
Whether new or used cars, it is often crucial to perform wheel alignment when the need arises. You would often find the vehicle wheel offering the best ride with excellent contact of the tire on the road.
Nevertheless, the wheels get shifted with time, which would indicate a severe problem. It is expected that your car will stop running smoothly once you start noticing some symptoms of bad wheel alignment.
Hence, there is a need to conduct proper alignments to enhance safe driving. Kindly note that wheel alignment is an integral part of vehicle maintenance.
Most car manufacturers recommend that wheel alignment should occur every 10,000 miles. Nevertheless, this depends on your driving style and other factors.
Since Walmart offers many auto parts at affordable costs, most folks would like to know if Walmart also has auto care centers that perform effective wheel alignment services.
So, does Walmart do tire alignments? It would interest you to know that Walmart offered excellent wheel alignment services in the past in their various Tire and Lube Express service stations.
Nevertheless, this company no longer provides such services, as reports suggest that Walmart wants to remain free from liability risks.
Walmart appears to be one of the earliest companies founded by Sam Walton in the 1960s. This corporation has various store locations in the United States, with more than 11,000 stores worldwide.
Again, it would interest you to know that Walmart currently has more than 2,500 service centers.
So, the Walmart Auto Care Centers work tirelessly in ensuring they provide other effective tire services such as tire mounting, repairs, balancing, and rotation.
Not to worry, there are various other service locations where you can get your vehicle’s tires aligned without hassles.
What is the Importance of a Wheel Alignment?
The importance of a wheel alignment cannot be overstated. If they aren’t aligned, it can cause your brakes and tires to wear faster and result in an accident.
You can blow a tire while traveling on the expressway at high speeds. Maybe your car pulls one direction and causes your vehicle to go in a ditch or oncoming traffic.
Ultimately, it will reduce your auto repair costs because a misalignment causes stress on your tires and suspension over time.
The cost of car maintenance is much less than the cost of a car crash. Changing a cabin and engine filter aren’t unusually priority, but it saves you money fast because your car and engine will run more efficiently.
Walmart sells car parts, deep cycle batteries, auto detailing carpet extractors, and other car related accessories. Read our guide on the Walmart return hours and policy. Also, see our guide on Walmart making car keys.
How Is A Wheel Alignment Done
These two standard methods are laser measuring devices and Bluetooth measuring devices. They both work in similar ways.
Bluetooth alignment is seen as the modern, updated version of laser alignment. It certainly is more accurate (when done correctly).
However, the laser works just fine too. I am most familiar with laser alignment machines, but neither is particularly complicated to use.
#1. Bluetooth Wheel Alignment.
Bluetooth wheel alignment works by using, you guessed it, Bluetooth. The results from each wheel are shown live on a connected computer screen. These readings allow the mechanic to make adjustments and see the results in real time.
Please take a look at the above YouTube video from Absolute Wheel Alignment to see how it works. These machines are accurate to within 0.1mm, as long as the setup is correct.
#2. Laser Wheel Alignment.
Traditionally, mechanics used laser machines for wheel alignment. These use lasers to measure the alignment of the wheels accurately.
They work in much the same way as Bluetooth alignment. However, rather than the results appearing on a computer screen, a laser shines on the measuring piece. This reading is what is used for wheel alignment.
Laser alignment is accurate to about 1mm. This is still pretty good, but not quite so up there as Bluetooth alignment.
For most people, it still does the job. However, for the most accurate results possible, Bluetooth is undeniably the current way forward.
What Does a Tire Alignment Include?
Now, let’s briefly cover what a standard tire alignment means. An alignment aims your wheels and tires perfectly straight to eliminate uneven tread wear, pulling, wandering, and vibration. It includes:
- Mounting wheels on alignment rack
- Tire inflation and alignment check
- Diagnosing alignment issues
- Adjusting front and/or rear suspension parts like control arms
- Ensuring proper toe, camber, and caster angles
- Test driving to confirm alignment
For an accurate alignment, your steering and suspension parts must be in good shape without excessive play or wear. If parts need replacing, additional costs apply beyond the base alignment fee.
Bad Wheel Alignment Symptoms
As a car owner, understanding the signs of bad wheel alignment is crucial. Let’s explore some common symptoms you should keep an eye out for.
#1. A Pulling Vehicle.
When your car doesn’t cooperate with your steering efforts, pulling or drifting away from a straight line, it’s time to suspect misaligned wheels.
The pull can be subtle or pronounced, but the key symptom is the car veering to one side when you aim for a straight path.
This problem can be a nuisance on open roads, but it can also be dangerous, especially in heavy traffic or harsh weather.
#2. Vibrations in the Steering Wheel.
Another sign of a wheel alignment issue is noticeable vibrations in your steering wheel. This is often most apparent at higher speeds.
The vibration occurs because misaligned wheels might be pulling in opposite directions, causing the car’s steering system to work overtime.
If your steering wheel feels like it’s humming a song under your fingers, it’s probably time to get those wheels checked.
#3. Rapid and Uneven Tire Wear.
Have you noticed your tires wearing down unevenly or too quickly? That could be the direct result of misaligned wheels.
Misalignment can cause one side of the tires to bear more weight, leading to increased friction and more rapid wear. Remember, unevenly worn tires not only require premature replacement but also compromise your vehicle’s grip on the road, affecting safety.
#4. Steering Wheel Looks Off-Center.
If you’re driving straight but your steering wheel looks skewed, you likely have a wheel alignment issue.
In a well-aligned vehicle, the steering wheel should sit almost perfectly centered when driving straight.
If you observe an off-center steering wheel despite a straight path, it might be time to make a service appointment.
#5. Unusual Squealing Sounds.
When your tires make an unusual squealing sound, especially during turns, it’s often due to wheel misalignment.
The misalignment could be forcing your tires to make abnormal contact with the road, causing them to squeal. It’s an audible sign your vehicle’s wheel alignment needs checking – don’t ignore it!
#6. Changes in Vehicle Handling.
A vehicle that’s harder to handle than usual could be suffering from wheel misalignment. This can manifest as decreased steering response, a lack of stability, or an overall sense that your vehicle is not responding as effectively or smoothly to your inputs.
Misalignment can significantly affect your vehicle’s handling dynamics, making it feel less confident and predictable on the road.
#7. The Feeling of “Looseness”.
Another, perhaps less noticeable sign of wheel misalignment is a feeling of “looseness” or lack of control when driving. This can feel like the vehicle doesn’t respond as quickly or precisely to steering inputs as it normally does.
This can be particularly noticeable when trying to maintain a straight line, when turning, or when trying to maneuver at higher speeds.
In conclusion, if you notice any of these symptoms, consider it as a wake-up call to get your vehicle’s wheel alignment checked.
Remember, regular checks and necessary adjustments can extend the life of your tires, improve your car’s performance, and, most importantly, ensure your safety on the road.
Bad Wheel Alignment Causes
A well-aligned wheel is essential for safe and efficient driving. But several factors can throw your car’s wheels out of alignment.
Each of these factors results in different symptoms, which are important to recognize. In this section, we delve into each of these causes in detail.
#1. Normal Wear and Tear.
With time, your car’s components, including the suspension and steering systems, wear down. Elements such as rubber bushings and springs gradually deteriorate, leading to a shift in the wheel alignment.
Regular servicing can help identify this natural wear and tear, enabling you to maintain optimal wheel alignment.
#2. Impacts and Collisions.
Unexpected events, such as hitting a curb or driving through massive potholes, can significantly affect your wheel alignment.
A car accident, even a minor one, can also lead to wheel misalignment due to the impact. Always check for alignment after such incidents to prevent long-term damage and ensure safety.
#3. Uneven Tire Wear.
Tires that wear unevenly can start to pull your car in one direction, causing wheel misalignment.
This uneven wear can be a result of several factors, including incorrect tire pressure or lack of tire rotation. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent this issue from affecting your alignment.
#4. Suspension or Steering Component Replacement.
Replacement of steering or suspension components can throw off your wheel alignment. These components are part of a complex system, and any alteration can affect the alignment.
Post-maintenance or component replacement alignment checks are necessary to ensure that the car’s wheels are correctly aligned.
#5. Incorrect Tire Pressure.
Correct tire pressure is crucial for maintaining wheel alignment. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can lead to uneven tire wear, resulting in wheel misalignment. Regularly checking and adjusting your tire pressure can help maintain your wheel alignment.
#6. Heavy Loads.
Carrying heavy loads consistently can lead to wheel misalignment. The added weight can strain the suspension system, causing the vehicle to sit lower and potentially throwing the wheels out of alignment.
If your vehicle frequently carries heavy loads, you may need to check the wheel alignment more often.
#7. Modifications.
Modifying your car, such as installing lift kits or lowering the suspension, can significantly impact the wheel alignment.
Such alterations change the vehicle’s geometry, requiring a new alignment. Always ensure a professional alignment check after any modification.
General Wheel Alignment Terms
#1. Toe In/Toe Out.
The toe is one of the most thought-about issues when dealing with a wheel alignment. Just as you would with your toes on your feet, as you look down at them, they can either be placed straight, in or out.
Therefore, when the toe is in, the wheels are pointing inward under the vehicle. The opposite is true with the toe-out situation. In this case, the wheels will point outward from the vehicle.
#2. Camber.
The camber is the description of how the tire sits in relation to the ground. This angle can also be placed inward or outward, just like the toe, but it’s compared to the vertical angle.
The camber talks about the way the tire contacts the road. The negative and positive camber angles will both place the tires on a diagonal relation to the road. You may have seen this purposely done with hot rods in your area for a unique look.
#3. Caster.
The caster angle defines how the center of the wheel hub assembly compares with the road. The caster plays a major role in how stable the car is.
A neutral caster keeps the vertical alignment completely straight. On the other hand, a positive caster angle is tilted back, while the negative caster angle is tilted toward the front of the car.
#4. Steering Axis Inclination (SAI).
The SAI isn’t something that is talked about as often, but still important. The steering axis inclination is a term used to describe the position of the suspension parts.
Instead of just looking at the wheels, this inclination is used to determine suspension in the mix of all of it. This gives directional stability, just like the caster angle.
#5. Thrust Angle.
When the thrust angle of the wheels is off, crabbing occurs. The thrust angle is the relation of the rear wheels to the center line of your vehicle.
When it’s off, you see that the back wheels aren’t in line with the front. They will not sit directly behind the front wheels.
This is why it’s known as crabbing, because of the appearance it offers. With Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), you must have the thrust angle correct or the sensors could malfunction or give the wrong readings.
How Do I Know If My Wheels Are Misaligned?
- Vehicle Pulls To One Side – Remove your hands off your steering wheel while going on a smooth and straight piece of road. If the car starts swerving to one side or the other, chances are that your car needs a wheel alignment.
- Uneven Steering Wheel – If your steering wheel is off-center while driving straight, your car needs wheel alignment immediately as any discrepancies that are as obvious as this one can be detrimental to your on-road safety.
- Loose Steering – If your steering inputs feel loose or sloppy, something with your steering/suspension components needs mending. More often than not, these symptoms tend to point toward needing a wheel alignment.
- Steering Wheel Vibrations – There are quite a few causes of a vibrating steering wheel, but the two most common ones are either unbalanced or misaligned wheels. As such, be sure to take your car in for an inspection to determine the best course of action.
- Uneven Tire Wear – Excessive outer tire wear, excessive inner tire wear, and tire scalloping are all symptoms of uneven tire wear which is usually caused by suspension issues, unbalanced wheels, lack of frequent tire rotations, or even due to misaligned wheels. As such, be sure to take your car in for a service and find out.
- Squealing Tires – Squealing tires can often lead to issues such as a broken tire rod, a broken tire belt, or misaligned wheels, all of which require immediate attention as they can cause loads of issues down the line.
How Much Does It Cost To Get An Alignment at Walmart?
Although Walmart no longer offers wheel alignment services, they have done much in the past at affordable rates. Even though there are no precise price specifications, the cost charged at Walmart appeared to be fair, thanks to their effective services.
Such wheel alignment cost at Walmart often appears within the range of $30 to $65, usually for the front wheels. Still, Walmart offered to perform wheel alignments for four wheels from $50 to $95.
By now, you should know that other service stations do the wheel alignment at varying prices. Thus, below is a glimpse of the price comparison of other agencies to that of Walmart’s previous cost on wheel alignment.
| S/N | Company | Price Range |
| 1 | NTB | $90-$235 |
| 2 | Midas | $70-$100 |
| 3 | Goodyear Auto Services | $90-$100 |
| 4 | Big O Tires | $60-$90 |
| 5 | Sears Auto Centers | $85-$165 |
| 6 | Pep Boys | $85-$110 |
| 7 | Firestone Complete Auto Care | $80-$170 |
Kindly note that the cost will always vary based on the car model and whether you want to work on the front wheel alone or all four wheels.
Furthermore, the different companies have their specific pricing based on their services, as some charge for wheel alignment for a year, two, or even three years.
Wheel Alignment Benefits
It’s doubtful that your wheels are straight, especially if nobody has checked your wheel alignment for many years.
Many things affect your car’s alignment. These include:
- General wear and age causing the tie rods to twist, nuts to come loose, etc.
- Improperly fitted parts.
- Not having your tracking redone when someone fitted new steering or suspension parts, as these usually cause the alignment to change. This misalignment happens due to minute manufacturing differences from part to part.
- Hitting curbs – if you’re the kind of driver that does this often, it’s probably affected your wheel alignment. Please get it checked as soon as you can.
- Going over potholes – in some parts of the world, roads can feel like bear traps for cars. The sudden impact of going over a pothole can knock your tracking right out.
- A developing mechanical fault.
As you can see, there are many reasons as to why your wheel alignment may not be right. Many. It’s not usually down to driver error, as well, although you should always take care to avoid hitting curbs regardless.
What Stores Offer Wheel Alignment Services?
- Tires Plus ($70 – $90): Tires Plus is a reliable choice for wheel alignments, with trained technicians who can ensure your vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned.
- Midas ($89.99 – $129.99): Midas, known for its comprehensive automotive services, provides this wheel service to help maintain your vehicle’s performance.
- Mr. Tire ($50 – $129): Mr. Tire offers wheel alignment services as part of its commitment to keeping your vehicle running smoothly.
- Jiffy Lube ($50 – $95): In addition to oil changes, Jiffy Lube may offer basic wheel alignment checks and services.
- Goodyear ($70 – $100): Goodyear, a renowned tire brand, also offers wheel alignments to ensure proper handling and avoid uneven tire wear.
- Sears Auto Center ($99.99 for 6 months): Located within some Sears stores, Sears Auto Center provides alignment services among its array of automotive offerings.
- Firestone Complete Auto Care ($80 for 12 months and $200 for lifetime): Firestone is a well-established name in the automotive industry, offering wheel alignments to enhance your vehicle’s safety and efficiency.
- Big O Tires ($80 – $120): Big O Tires typically provides wheel services to help keep your vehicle on the right track.
Tips for Saving Money on Alignments
While an essential service, there are ways to get a quality alignment without overspending:
- Ask about any current wheel alignment discounts or coupons
- Consider smaller independent alignment shops which may offer lower rates
- Book alignments in the slower winter months when shops offer deals
- Buy alignment as part of a package deal when doing other scheduled maintenance
- Join auto clubs like AAA for access to discounted alignment pricing
- Use discounts from retailers on your favorite cash back credit card
With some creative planning, do-it-yourselfers can reduce alignment costs while still correcting alignment issues before they accelerate uneven tire wear.
How to Schedule a Tire Mounting and Balancing Appointment at Walmart?
To schedule a tire mounting and balancing appointment at Walmart, you can either visit the Walmart auto care website or go to a nearby auto care center.
For instance, if you are scheduling a mounting and balancing appointment online, then follow these steps below:
- Go to Walmart Auto Services on the Walmart website.
- Select Tire Maintenance from the available options.
- Click on Book Install.
- Use your email ID to log in.
Otherwise, you can find the nearest Auto care center and visit the location for the required service.
Other Auto Services Walmart Provides
Since it is known that Walmart does not only offer various automotive parts at affordable costs but runs an auto care store, you may want to learn about the standard services they offer.
With that in mind, the following are regular vehicle maintenance and repair services that Walmart does.
Tire Services
Walmart offers various services relating to your car tires, ranging from new tire purchase, installation, and balancing to rotation.
The good news is that these services are available at affordable prices. You can check the service station for the Walmart tire installation cost.
Battery Services
Walmart provides a comprehensive service on battery installations. These services cover both battery components purchased at Walmart stores and those brought from outside. Nevertheless, there are free installations for batteries purchased at Walmart.
Fuel System Services
You can trust the Walmart auto centers to do a perfect job, from cleaning the car’s fuel system to fixing other related issues.
Oil and Lube
For high mileage, pit crew, and standard oil changes, you can always visit Walmart auto care centers, as they have experienced mechanics that can handle such tasks. So, you can easily inquire about the Walmart oil change prices.
Other excellent services that this company’s service centers offer include:
- Engine air filter replacement
- Miniature bulb installation
- Windshield wiper replacement
- Headlight services
- Valve stem installation
- Cabin air filter replacement
So, you can book an appointment with the Walmart service center closest to you to get your car issues fixed. Again, you can visit the company’s website to view the varying cost of these services mentioned above.
Are Walmart Alignments Good
Walmart has effective service centers that provide auto mechanic experts to work on varying car issues. Although Walmart auto care centers no longer offer wheel alignments, they had one of the best services in such matters in the past.
Since these centers are available in various parts of the country, it was easy for folks to locate them and book appointments.
Then, the certified technicians hired by Walmart does a great job in various car repairs and maintenance. Again, most car repairs can appear absurdly expensive, but they are readily available at affordable costs at Walmart.
FAQs.
Q: Is It Worth Doing Wheel Alignment?
100% Yes. There are reasons why they are ALWAYS included in even the most basic maintenance options.
You can compare wheel misalignments with a pair of holed shoes. Refusing to pad them evenly will only bring about discomfort!
If you cannot afford enough time to drop by an auto shop, at least learn some temporary techniques to line the tires together for a short while. Avoid using the car too often until the tires have properly aligned and balanced.
Q: When and How Often Should You Align The Tires?
Experts suggest doing so every time your car changes oils (about every 5000 to 6000 miles).
Still, note that there are hundreds of car models, meaning their alignment needs might differ according to tire styles, road surfaces, and the vehicle makes.
Check the vehicle manual or consult the mechanic in those cases; only then can you fully grasp the best solutions for your car.
Several special cases also require alignments. One example is new tire purchases: alignments will help them settle into the right position and wear evenly.
Also, if your car pulls during trips or the steering wheels become off-center, aligning the tires can easily fix the problems.
Q: Are Tire Balances and Alignments The Same?
Both services foster smoother rides and seamless tire rolls. However, they are far from identical!
Tire/wheel balancing corrects the wheels’ uneven distribution weight and spreads it out more uniformly. Without this proper balance, the tires may cause uneven wear, suspension damage, vibration, and other issues.
On the other hand, wheel alignments adjust the suspension (a system connecting the car to its tires).
In short: Balance services correct the tires’ weight imbalance, while alignments adjust the tire’s proper angles against the suspension system to ensure appropriate road contact.
Q: How Long Do Wheel Alignments Usually Take?
In normal cases, standard alignments will require about 1 to 1.5 hours (60 to 90 minutes), whether for four-wheel or two-wheel vehicles.
However, there are still exceptions. Suppose your automobile suffers too many tears, cracks, and damage on the track rod, steering bushing, suspension system, etc.; the process will take much longer, then, since mechanics must replace some car components.
Recently, a few auto care centers claimed they could align your car in under 20 minutes. Do not fall for such blatant self-marketings; these complicated procedures cannot get done that quickly. Chances are the shops deceive you or skip some essential steps.
Final Words
Walmart is a renowned company that has various retail stores worldwide, offering multiple products at affordable prices.
It is common to find different car parts across these Walmart stores, and you can take your car issues to the various Walmart auto care centers.
So, does Walmart do wheel alignments? It would interest you to know that Walmart service stations fix various automotive issues but no longer handle wheel alignments.
Thus, you can still visit the Walmart auto care centers for tire installations and balancing, engine, and cabin air filter replacement, fuel system services, and other car repairs.