If your vehicle is in good shape overall, a wheel alignment should only take about one hour. However, if there’s too much wear and tear
to your steering bush, track rod, or suspension system, the service may take longer. Proper wheel alignment (along with regular tire rotations
) will help maintain your vehicle’s performance—so you’ll want to make sure nothing is askew among your tires by having your alignment checked on a regular basis. Aside from having your vehicle’s wheels checked on a regular basis, keep an eye out for indications that your steering wheel may need to be realigned, such as:
Car pulling sharply in one direction while driving
If you notice any of the above signs, you should schedule an appointment with a mechanic immediately to have your alignment checked out.
Keep in mind: Poor alignment isn’t the only cause of a shaky steering wheel—bad ball bearings, warped brake rotors, and loose wheel hubs can all also contribute to uncomfortable driving conditions in your car.
MORE: Why does my steering wheel shake, and how do I fix it?