Wheel Alignment in Fort Dodge, Iowa, at Fort Dodge Ford

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When it comes to vehicle safety systems, wheels and tires can be just as important as brakes and seat belts.
Bumps and potholes can harm your wheels and tires, making your car less safe. Regular wheel alignment inspections and recalibrations can go a long way towards keeping your vehicle safe on the road.

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Why Wheel Alignment is Important

The angle at which your vehicle’s wheels contact the road surface is very important for safe driving. Misaligned wheels can also cause problems with other vehicle systems. And as cars with misaligned wheels run through both tires and gas more easily than well-aligned vehicles, periodic alignment saves Fort Dodge drivers money.

When You Should Get Wheel Alignment

Automakers provide a suggested maintenance schedule covering many services such as wheel alignment. This information is available in your vehicle’s owners manual. Generally, wheel alignment should happen once or twice per year, or roughly every 6,000 miles.

The Wheel Alignment Process

Step 1

The mechanic takes the car for a test drive, observing factors such as steering pull or vibrations. These signals can help a trained mechanic figure out how to realign the wheels.

Step 2

Using both a machine and a visual inspection, the technician checks the vehicle’s steering alignment.

Step 3

The mechanic adjusts the suspension system to move the tires back into proper alignment.

Step 4

After a final test drive, the alignment process is complete.

Cost of Wheel Alignment

Most wheel alignments cost $50-$75 for one axle, usually the front, and $100-$160 for both axles. Wheel alignment on luxury vehicles can be more expensive due to the unique procedures involved in balancing their tires.

Fort Dodge Ford offers valuable service specials which can help drivers save on common vehicle maintenance tasks. Our offerings change frequently, so check back often!

Questions to Ask Your Service Technician

If you are taking your car in for an alignment because you noticed shaking or the vehicle pulling to the side while driving, ask your service technician to check if other parts need to be repaired as well.

Signs of a Quality Wheel Alignment

After a quality wheel alignment, your tires should wear evenly again, and the car should not have the same level of noticeable vibration as it did before.

Caring for Your Vehicle After Wheel Alignment

Drivers often need wheel alignment more frequently if they drive on gravel or poorly maintained roads.

Contact Our Service Department in Fort Dodge, IA

Here at the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota dealership in Fort Dodge, IA, we are proud to complement our award-winning dealership with an exceptional service center. Visit us at 2723 5th Ave. South in Fort Dodge or call us at (515) 576-6115 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

We are available to serve your vehicle needs from 7am to 7pm Monday through Thursday, 7am to 6pm on Friday, and 8am to 5pm on Saturday. You can also browse our extensive inventory of new or pre-owned vehicles in-store or online.