Stadium Auto ServiceMichigan potholes are harsh on vehicles! Pounding along rough roads requires a yearly wheel alignment. Make your tires last longer and get better fuel mileage.
Stadium Auto Service has the experience to do your wheel alignment correctly on any vehicle—new or old, big or small. But we specialize in German autos, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, and Volkswagen auto wheel alignment in Ann Arbor, MI.
Wheel alignment service is a significant part of Stadium Auto Service. We have specialized in wheel alignment adjustment in Ann Arbor, MI, since day one and continue to invest in the latest high-tech tools, equipment, and training needed for German vehicles.
We use the latest wheel alignment technology and methods. Since we opened, Stadium Auto Service has been doing computerized 4-wheel alignment in Ann Arbor, MI. Vehicle technology has changed dramatically over the last 45+ years, and we constantly reinvest in the latest wheel alignment technology and training to provide you with accurate wheel alignment. With such an extensive alignment history, we know how to do a German vehicle wheel alignment right, at a competitive wheel alignment price in Ann Arbor, MI.
Wheel Alignments at Stadium Auto Service
Our combination of the latest high-tech equipment, the best ASE-certified technicians, and many years of experience offers you unbeatable value and a wheel alignment done right—guaranteed!
Our wheel alignment cost is very affordable, and we often have front-end alignment promotions. We perform all types of auto wheel alignment, including four-wheel alignment on German import cars, SUV wheel alignment, 4x4 wheel alignment, all-wheel drive wheel alignment, and four-wheel alignment. Stadium Auto Service can solve your Ann Arbor, MI, wheel alignment problem.
Wheel Alignment Includes:
- Road Test before and after any adjustments;
- Inspection of steering and suspension components: struts and shocks, springs, bushings, ball joints, control arms, tie
rods, tires, wheels, wheel bearings, stabilizers, power steering system, mounts, axles, frame; - Inspection of wheels and tires. Check and adjust tire pressure;
- Measuring alignment angles on front and rear axles;
- Alignment adjustments (Depending on alignment service purchased)*;
- Satisfaction Guaranteed!
*Alignment adjustment on some vehicles may require additional cost.
Wheel Alignment Benefits:
- Increased tire life.
- Increased fuel mileage.
- Safe vehicle control.
Performance Wheel Alignments
Our high-tech wheel alignment machine fits virtually any wheel (up to 24") without the worry of damage and will handle most oversized tires and custom wheels. We can perform performance wheel alignments and custom wheel alignments, including most lowered vehicles, to customers' specifications for obstacle courses or road courses such as Road America races, etc.
Our wheel alignment service details:
- Road Test Before and After
We take the time to drive your vehicle to check how it steers and rides - before and after. A before and after test drive allows us to verify a problem and check that it has been corrected. It’s just part of our quality control and what we do.
- Inspection
We thoroughly inspect steering and suspension parts and tires. Worn or damaged parts and tire problems make it difficult to perform a wheel alignment correctly. We know how to check the steering and suspension components correctly. Our extensive wheel alignment experience has taught us what part wear is allowable and what needs replacement. Inexperience may lead to unnecessary and expensive part replacement. You get value and savings from our long-term wheel alignment experience.
- Alignment Measurement
Do you need a four-wheel alignment or just a front-end alignment? Even if we are just doing a front-wheel alignment, we always check the alignment of all four wheels before making any adjustments. Since the rear wheels also affect how your vehicle steers and handles, it is essential to check that the rear wheel alignment is also correct. It's the best way and what we do.
- Alignment Adjustment
We make adjustments to bring your vehicle's alignment back to factory-designed specifications, providing you with safe steering, decreased tire wear, optimum fuel economy, and a comfortable ride.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed
It’s your vehicle, so it should drive and handle to your satisfaction. Although we tend to be more particular than most, we will always seek your complete satisfaction.
Wheel Alignment FAQ
1) How often should you get a wheel alignment?
A wheel alignment measurement should be done once a year. Usually, we recommend doing a wheel alignment in the spring when you do a tire changeover after the risk of hitting a curb in the slippery snow-covered roads and after the potholes have been repaired!
If you notice a change in how your vehicle steers or handles when traveling down the road, you should get a wheel alignment inspection immediately. Wheel alignment normally gradually changes with normal wear, and drivers don't notice the minor changes. If there is a sudden change in how your vehicle steers, you may have a serious safety issue.
Another reason to get a wheel alignment is when the tires are replaced. A wheel alignment problem can destroy new tires very quickly, and new tire guarantees require a wheel alignment check.
2) Why does a wheel alignment cost more on some vehicles?
The main reasons for different wheel alignment cost:
- Four-wheel alignment takes more time than a two-wheel alignment.
- Wheel alignment is just easier on some vehicles. For example, wheel alignment on a 4WD vehicle is more complex and time-consuming than that on a simple rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Some vehicles have previous crash damage, making alignment difficult and often more complex. Some damaged vehicles will need special parts or modifications to align the wheels correctly.
- Rust damage can prolong the time it takes to complete a wheel alignment or even require replacing heavily rust-damaged parts.
All these reasons can cause a different wheel alignment cost. A final wheel alignment price can often not be quoted until the vehicle is inspected.
Wheel Alignment Information
How do you know if you need a wheel alignment?
Wheel alignment should be performed as routine maintenance when you buy new tires or when you notice a steering problem.
The two most significant clues that a wheel alignment is needed are when the steering wheel is not centered when driving straight along the road or when your vehicle pulls to one side. Another sign of a wheel alignment problem is abnormal tire wear. Uneven tire wear, like feathering or cupping, indicates that your vehicle needs a wheel alignment.
A wheel alignment is also highly recommended when new tires are installed. This will help protect your investment in the tires and ensure they do not wear out quicker than they should.
Your vehicle’s steering and suspension play an important role in its safety. Together with tires, the steering and suspension system determine how your car will ride and handle. It would be best to inspect your tires and wheel alignment at least once a year. To ensure vehicle safety and prevent expensive repairs, it is highly recommended that routine wheel alignments, tire rotations, and wheel balancing be performed.
Wheel alignments should be done once a year.
Steering & Suspension
The suspension system connects the wheels to your vehicle's frame or body and works with the steering system to provide vehicle control. When working properly, the suspension system smooths out road bumps and potholes and helps maintain vehicle stability and control. The steering system transmits your input from the steering wheel to the steering components to control the vehicle’s direction.
Wheel Alignment
A wheel alignment is a procedure to inspect, measure, and adjust all the steering and suspension parts that allow you to maneuver and control your vehicle. Stadium Auto Service in Ann Arbor, MI, has the latest wheel alignment technology and skills to keep your vehicle rolling straight and true. Using lasers and wheel-mounted sensors, we consistently perform very accurate wheel alignments.
Benefits of Wheel Alignment
Maximize tire life by having your wheel alignment checked and adjusted every year. With the expensive, specialized tires required on many of today's vehicles, you want to squeeze out every last mile for maximum tire value.
Routine wheel alignment also decreases the wear of expensive suspension parts.
Maximize fuel economy with yearly wheel alignments. If you have ever had a shopping cart with a miss-aligned wheel, you know how difficult it can be to push. Your vehicle is the same and will burn more fuel to push against wheel alignment problems. A vehicle with correctly aligned wheels will have the least rolling resistance and burn less fuel.
A safe vehicle drives straight, does not wander, and goes where you want it to! With today's busy roads, it is essential that your vehicle does not drift into the path of other vehicles and is controllable in emergencies.
Normal Wear and Tear
Steering and suspension components wear out over time and gradually affect wheel alignment. Each part has a wear limit, which should be checked during each wheel alignment inspection. How long suspension and steering components last depends on the type of vehicle, how and where it is operated, and whether regular maintenance is performed. Regular wheel alignment inspection and maintenance are critical to maintaining vehicle safety and decreasing long-term repair costs.
Factors that affect suspension wear include:
- Vehicle type;
- Driving habits;
- Road conditions;
- Operating conditions;
- Type of steering and suspension system;
- Frequency of regular maintenance such as chassis lubrication and wheel alignment.
Steering and Suspension Wear Symptoms
- Pulling;
- Uneven tire wear;
- "Loose" steering feeling;
- Noise and vibration while cornering;
- Wandering or poor directional stability.
Wheel Alignment Problems
Crooked Steering Wheel
Another sign of a vehicle that is out of alignment is that the steering wheel may be off-center while the car or truck moves straight ahead. A crooked steering wheel can also indicate bent or worn steering parts.
Uneven Tire Wear
Tire wear can have many causes. Some are related to wheel alignment problems, and some are related to tire pressure.
Common Tire Wear Causes:
- Tire wear resulting from wheel alignment problem. It is usually caused by suspension and steering part wear or damage caused by impact or collision. The inside or outside of the tire is worn off at a very noticeable angle.
- Tire wear is caused by overinflation (tire pressure is too high): Excess pressure forces the middle section of the tire tread outward, and it wears faster than the outside edges.
- Tire wear caused by underinflation (low tire pressure) is the most common tire problem we see during our Vehicle Inspection service! Underinflated tires can not support the vehicle's weight, forcing the middle section of the tire tread inward and causing excess wear on both outside edges of the tire tread.
- Tire wear can be caused by worn-out shock absorbers or struts and incorrect tire balancing. Worn spots on tires are caused by tires bouncing on the road, creating high stress and excessive tire wear. Either incorrect tire balance or worn shock absorbers cause tire wear. Often, out-of-balance tires cause shock or struts to wear prematurely, amplifying tire bounce and high tire wear.
Why is my car wobbling when I drive?
The most common cause of vehicle wobble is a bent wheel or damaged tire caused by a collision or hitting a pothole. If you have hit something, you should have a safety inspection and possibly a wheel alignment check.
The most common cause of vehicle shake is tire balance. Wheel balance weights can get knocked off if you hit a pothole or curb or fall off when they rust. They can also indicate a severe tire problem caused by a tire failure after a collision, hitting a pothole or curb.
Wheel wobble, shaking, or vibration are problems that shouldn't be ignored. They can be signs of a serious safety problem that shouldn't be overlooked. A tire blowout is a severe safety risk.
How do you know if your tie rod ends are bad?
Worn tie rod ends cause excessive play or movement in the steering system. Common signs of a faulty tie rod end include a front end alignment that is off, steering wheel play or looseness, and uneven or excessive tire wear.
Why do steering parts need to be replaced before a wheel alignment?
Steering parts such as tie rod ends and steering boxes connect the wheels together and keep them in alignment. When these parts get worn, it is impossible to set the wheel alignment. Wheel alignment setting tolerances are very small and wear in steering parts makes it impossible to adjust alignment accurately.
Wheel Alignment FAQ
How Do I Know I Need An alignment?
If your vehicle won't travel straight down the road without you constantly steering it most likely needs a wheel alignment. If it wanders or pulls to one side it definitely needs a wheel alignment. If it tracks as straight as an arrow your wheels are likely properly aligned.
Even so, it's a good idea to have your wheel alignment checked annually.
Do I need an alignment after replacing tires?
You should have a wheel alignment when you buy new tires. This prevents excessive and uneven tire wear. Also many tire warranties require a wheel alignment with new tires.
Is it bad to drive a car with a bad alignment?
Driving with bad wheel alignment can be dangerous. Your vehicle can pull or drift out of your lane. Misaligned wheels can cause hydroplane and loss of control on wet pavement. Another sign you need a wheel alignment is uneven tire wear which can lead to a tire blowout or loss of traction in an emergency.
What causes wheels to go out of alignment?
The most common cause of wheel alignment change is a heavy impact caused by hitting something, such as a pothole, bumping a curb, or a vehicle collision.
Another reason for needing a wheel alignment is worn steering parts caused by wear and tear, or a lack of maintenance. Over time parts such as suspension springs can become tired and collapse, leading to a shift in the wheel alignment. Also, worn suspension bushings can cause a change in wheel alignment.
Do I need a 2 or 4 wheel alignment?
A 2-wheel alignment is also known as a front-end alignment and usually adequate for 2 wheel, rear-wheel drive vehicles. All-wheel-drive, or 4-wheel drive, vehicles with independent suspension require a 4-wheel alignment.
How long does wheel alignment take?
On average a wheel alignment will take about one hour, not including waiting time. If there is any damage or worn parts, such as ball joint, track rod, suspension or steering bushing, then it could take longer if parts need to be replaced.
Do I need an alignment after replacing brakes?
No. A front-end alignment is not required after doing brake service.
Is a wheel balance required to do a wheel alignment?
No. Wheel balance causes vibration problems and does not affect how straight the vehicle drives.