Wheel Alignment Frequently Asked Questions
Get straightforward answers to common questions about four-wheel alignment, uneven tire wear, pulling, steering-wheel position, Tesla and EV alignment, pricing and our alignment-only services.
Fremont Alignment serves drivers from Fremont, Newark, Union City, Milpitas and surrounding Bay Area communities.
Wheel Alignment Basics
Wheel alignment is the process of measuring and adjusting the suspension angles that determine the direction and position of the wheels.
The wheels and tires themselves are not reshaped. Instead, the vehicle's available alignment points are adjusted so the wheels travel according to the applicable vehicle specifications.
Proper alignment helps the vehicle track predictably, keeps the steering wheel centered and reduces unnecessary tire scrubbing caused by incorrect wheel angles.
The primary alignment measurements are toe, camber, caster and thrust angle.
Toe describes whether the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above. Camber is the inward or outward wheel tilt when viewed from the front. Caster describes the steering-axis angle when viewed from the side. Thrust angle identifies the direction the rear wheels travel compared with the vehicle's centerline.
A two-wheel alignment primarily measures and adjusts the front wheels. A four-wheel alignment measures the relationship between all four wheels and the vehicle's centerline.
Even when every rear angle is not adjustable, measuring the rear wheels provides important information for centering and aligning the front wheels in relation to the vehicle's actual thrust direction.
Fremont Alignment specializes in four-wheel alignment.
No. Available adjustments vary by vehicle design.
Some vehicles provide factory adjustments for toe, camber and caster, while others provide only certain adjustments. If a measurement is outside specification but no factory adjustment is available, correction may require parts, repairs or specialized modification.
Fremont Alignment does not replace suspension components. We will explain when a mechanical condition prevents an alignment measurement from being corrected.
Signs and Symptoms of Misalignment
Common signs include uneven tire wear, pulling or drifting, a crooked steering wheel while driving straight, wandering and changes in handling after hitting a pothole or curb.
A vehicle can also be misaligned without displaying an obvious symptom. Wear developing on the inner tire shoulder may be difficult to see from outside the vehicle.
Incorrect wheel alignment can contribute to pulling, but alignment is not the only possible cause.
Unequal tire pressure, tire construction, uneven tire wear, worn components, brake problems and normal road slope can also make a vehicle pull or drift. Alignment measurements help determine whether wheel geometry is contributing to the concern.
A crooked steering wheel may indicate incorrect toe, an incorrect thrust angle or improper steering-wheel centering during a previous alignment.
It can also result from mechanical damage or worn components. A four-wheel alignment measures the front wheels in relation to the rear thrust direction and helps determine whether the steering-wheel position can be corrected through alignment.
Alignment problems more commonly cause pulling, wandering, a crooked steering wheel or uneven tire wear.
Vibration at certain speeds is more commonly associated with wheel balance, tire condition, bent wheels or worn mechanical components. Fremont Alignment does not perform wheel balancing.
An alignment can help prevent additional wear when incorrect toe, camber or thrust angle is contributing to the problem.
However, alignment cannot reverse tire wear that has already occurred. Tire pressure, tire construction, driving style, suspension condition and vehicle modifications can also affect tire wear.
Inner-edge wear may be associated with excessive negative camber, incorrect toe or a combination of alignment measurements.
It may also involve worn or damaged suspension components, vehicle design, ride height or aftermarket modifications. Measuring all four wheels helps identify whether the alignment angles are contributing to the wear.
When to Check Your Alignment
There is no single mileage interval that applies to every vehicle.
Consider checking the alignment when symptoms appear, after a significant pothole or curb impact, after steering or suspension work, when installing new tires or when unusual tire wear is discovered. Vehicle use, road conditions, tire wear and suspension condition all affect how frequently alignment may be needed.
An alignment check is a good way to help protect new tires from wear caused by incorrect wheel angles.
Tesla specifically recommends alignment after installing a new set of tires. Other vehicle owners should follow their manufacturer's guidance and consider alignment when previous tires show uneven wear.
Yes. A sufficiently strong pothole or curb impact can change wheel alignment or damage a tire, wheel, steering component or suspension component.
Consider an alignment check if the steering wheel becomes crooked, the vehicle begins pulling or you notice unusual tire wear after an impact.
Many steering and suspension repairs can change the position of the wheels.
Alignment is commonly appropriate after replacing components that affect wheel position, ride height or steering geometry. Ask the repair facility whether alignment is required after the work performed.
Tire rotation does not normally change the vehicle's mechanical alignment.
However, rotating tires with existing uneven wear can change how the vehicle feels or tracks. If the tires display abnormal wear, alignment measurements may help identify whether wheel geometry contributed to it.
Service, Timing and Pricing
Many standard alignment appointments at Fremont Alignment can be completed in approximately 30 minutes.
Completion time varies according to vehicle design, condition, modifications, adjustment requirements and whether additional procedures are needed. We do not promise an exact completion time for every vehicle.
Pricing depends on the vehicle's year, make, model, suspension design, condition, modifications and required adjustments.
Tesla and EV wheel alignment starts at $130. Other alignment pricing should be confirmed by calling Fremont Alignment at (510) 304-0890.
Calling ahead is recommended so we can confirm the vehicle, expected pricing and availability before you arrive.
Call (510) 304-0890 and provide the vehicle's year, make, model and any suspension modifications.
Many customers can wait during a standard alignment appointment. Vehicle condition, scheduling, difficult adjustments or additional procedures may increase completion time.
Calling ahead helps us provide a more accurate expectation for your particular vehicle.
Please provide the vehicle's year, make and model and describe the concern you are experiencing.
Tell us about lowered or lifted suspension, aftermarket alignment components, recent steering or suspension work, unusual tire wear, collision damage or dashboard warnings that may affect the service.
Tesla and Electric-Vehicle Alignment
Yes. Like other vehicles, a Tesla can become misaligned after pothole or curb impacts, suspension work, vehicle modifications or normal component movement.
Tesla recommends alignment as needed when uneven tire wear or pulling is noticed and after installing new tires.
A qualified independent alignment specialist with suitable equipment and appropriate vehicle specifications can perform mechanical wheel alignment on many Tesla vehicles.
Fremont Alignment provides alignment for Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y and uses Hunter HawkEye Elite alignment technology.
Yes. Fremont Alignment can perform applicable Tesla steering-angle calibration and reset procedures when required.
Mechanical alignment and electronic steering-angle calibration are related but separate procedures. Not every Tesla automatically requires calibration during every alignment appointment.
Steering-angle calibration is not the same as camera or ADAS calibration.
Fremont Alignment can align many electric cars and SUVs in addition to Tesla vehicles.
Because dimensions, weight, suspension design and required procedures vary, customers should call with the EV's year, make and model to confirm availability.
Shop Services and Warranty
No. Fremont Alignment is an alignment-focused business. We do not sell or replace tires.
No. We do not perform wheel balancing.
Wheel balancing corrects uneven weight distribution in a tire-and-wheel assembly. Wheel alignment corrects the direction and suspension angles of the wheels.
No. We do not replace suspension components.
If a worn, bent, damaged or modified component prevents proper alignment, we will explain the condition so the customer can arrange the appropriate repair elsewhere.
Yes, depending on the vehicle's configuration, condition and available adjustment range.
Customers must describe their modifications when scheduling. Fremont Alignment's standard alignment warranty does not apply to modified, lifted or lowered vehicles.
Fremont Alignment provides a six-month or 6,000-mile labor warranty on qualifying alignments, whichever occurs first.
The vehicle must be returned to Fremont Alignment for evaluation. Modified, lifted and lowered vehicles are excluded, and additional warranty terms may apply.
40869 Albrae Street
Fremont, CA 94538
We serve drivers from Fremont, Newark, Union City, Milpitas and nearby Bay Area communities.
Call (510) 304-0890 before visiting to confirm availability.
Still Have a Wheel Alignment Question?
Call Fremont Alignment and tell us your vehicle's year, make, model and the symptoms you are experiencing. We can help determine whether an alignment appointment is appropriate and provide current pricing information.
Fremont Alignment40869 Albrae Street
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 304-0890