MIDWEST ENGINE SERVICE > Top Level Auto Repair & Maintenance Services > ALIGNMENT

608-244-9040 | 3712 Milwaukee St Madison, WI 53714

ALIGNMENT SERVICES

Q: How long does a full alignment take?

Wheel alignments typically take one hour for both two-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. However, excessive wear and tear on suspension components like bushings, track rods, or the system itself can require replacements, extending the service time.

Q: What happens if you wait too long for an alignment?

Tire alignment is crucial for maintaining optimal tire performance and lifespan. Even slight misalignments, undetectable to the naked eye but measurable in tenths of degrees or hundredths of inches, can lead to premature and uneven wear. As time passes, this wear becomes more pronounced, impacting both safety and fuel efficiency. To avoid these issues, regular alignment checks every 6,000 miles are recommended.

Q: What is checked during an alignment?

Three crucial aspects are assessed during a tire alignment inspection: camber, toe, and caster. Camber refers to the angle formed by the vertical axis of the tire and a line perpendicular to the road surface, as viewed from the front. When the top of the tire tilts inwards, creating an "X" shape with the wheels, it's considered negative camber. This can increase wear on the tire's inner edge through increased friction.

Q: Do I need an alignment after replacing tires?

The answer is yes! A proper wheel alignment ensures precise angles between wheels and the road, maximizing tire life, enhancing handling, and distributing wear evenly across the tread. This translates to better fuel efficiency, safer driving, and a more enjoyable ride.

Correctly aligned tires will reduce tire wear, and ensure that your vehicle travels straight and true (without "pulling" to one side). Your tires should be checked during routine maintenance, but if you notice uneven tire wear or your car is pulling to one side, you should have a qualified automotive technician examine your car. You can trust the technicians at Midwest Engine Service to thoroughly examine your vehicle's tires and correct the alignment if necessary. Call us at 608-244-9040 if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment.

Our alignment services include:

Alignment Services
Wheel alignment is crucial for your car's health. Our expert technicians meticulously adjust your wheels to the manufacturer's specifications, ensuring optimal steering and tire performance. This prevents unnecessary wear and tear, saving you money in the long run.

Benefits of a Professional Wheel Alignment

Regular wheel alignments offer a range of benefits that keep your vehicle in optimal condition:

Improved Safety: Proper alignment enhances handling, reducing the risk of accidents.
Increased Tire Life: Evenly aligned wheels prevent premature tire wear, saving you money in the long run.
Better Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels can increase rolling resistance, causing higher fuel consumption.
Smoother Driving Experience: Alignment issues can cause vibrations or pulling; fixing them restores comfort on the road.

Alignment FAQs

How long does a full alignment take?

A wheel alignment usually takes about an hour for both two-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. However, if there is significant wear and tear on suspension components like bushings, track rods, or the alignment system itself, replacement parts may be needed, which could extend the service time.

What happens if you wait too long for an alignment?

Delaying a wheel alignment can negatively affect your tire performance and lifespan. Even slight misalignments, which are imperceptible to the eye but measurable in small degrees or fractions of an inch, can cause uneven and premature tire wear. Over time, this wear becomes more noticeable, impacting safety and fuel efficiency. To prevent these issues, it's recommended to have your alignment checked every 6,000 miles.

What is checked during an alignment?

During a tire alignment, three key angles are examined: camber, toe, and caster. Camber refers to the angle between the vertical axis of the tire and a line perpendicular to the road surface when viewed from the front. If the top of the tire tilts inward, creating an "X" shape between the wheels, it's known as negative camber, which can cause excessive wear on the inner edge of the tire due to increased friction.

Do I need an alignment after replacing tires?

Yes, you do! Proper wheel alignment ensures that the angles between your tires and the road surface are accurate, which helps to maximize tire life, improve handling, and ensure even tread wear. This not only boosts fuel efficiency and driving safety but also enhances your overall driving experience.

Don't let uneven tire wear diminish the longevity of your tires. Experience a fast and cost-effective tire alignment at our shop in Madison. Call us today at 608-244-9040 to schedule an appointment.

To learn more about our Alignment services, call us at 608-244-9040 or request a quote by clicking below:

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Discover More About Alignment Repair Services At Midwest Engine Service in Madison

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What Our Customers Are Saying

Brakes, near Madison, Dee

Midwest always does great work and I never feel like I'm being "taken for a ride". I appreciate the honest assessments of what needs to be done and in what time-frame. Always more reasonable than the dealership on both counts! Super handy to have a loaner car, and I love that my car is always shiny and feels like new when I pick it up, even after an oil change! Thank you!!

Margaret, 09/03/2021

I am from IL and was going to our home in Northern Wisconsin when I experienced car trouble. Lucky for me, I got off at the first Madison exit. I called Midwest Engine Service. They were AWESOME! They had me towed to their shop. Clean building and great staff. They got me back on the road within 3 hours. The repair bill was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this auto repair facility!

Terry Foley - Frankfort IL

I cannot begin to tell you how very much I appreciate the INCREDIBLE service I received from your staff ! I have been in the customer service business for over 30 years, I certainly have no problems recognizing EXCELLENT SERVICE and let me tell you your team GETS IT. From the helpful phone call to your shop when I was stranded at Home Depot to the tow truck driver calling to confirm to me that my truck was picked up...I will not ever take my truck anywhere else and you have a customer for life. I will tell everyone I know to do the same. Keep up the good work!

Diana ( Di ) McConnell

To all of you -a BIG- thank you for all the time and effort you put into my car! I don't really know all the things you do but its much better now. The steering is better, the breaks feel better, and in general it just feels better to drive!

Phyllis Farber

Dear Wayne, Thank you for your note regarding my Audi TT alignment mishap and for being so noble as to stand behind the work done at Midwest Engine. I'm sure it is difficult at times, when trying to run a business well, to negotiate mishaps, both with customers and your staff, and I appreciate that your rose to the occasion and did the right thing by me, even as a cost to you.