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Alignment

THAT'S GREAT! WHY AN ALIGNMENT?

What if you walked at a left angle all of the time? You would never get where you needed to be, that's what. Also, people would probably stare.

A proper wheel alignment does four very important things:

  • Reduces tire wear and provides maximum tire life
  • Enhances fuel economy
  • Improves handling
  • Increases overall driving safety

Sounds simple, right? But it’s a big deal for your car’s performance and safety. At Tire Discounters, we hold alignment in high regard. That’s why we offer FREE alignment with any 4-tire purchase.

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WHAT'S AN ALIGNMENT?

Wheel alignment is all about adjusting the angles of your vehicle's wheels so they meet the road just right.

In other words, when your wheels are aligned, your car drives smoother and you’ll have an easier time keeping it on track.  Messy wheel alignment can cause uneven tire wear. Imagine wearing out one side of your shoes while the other side stays brand new. Not fun, and definitely not cost-effective.

Misaligned wheels can also hurt your fuel efficiency because your car has to work harder to move. Think of it as running with one shoe untied. A wheel alignment isn’t just about tweaking your wheels a bit. It’s a detailed process that ensures your vehicle’s wheels are perfectly aligned with each other and the road. This optimizes tire performance, extends tire life, and boosts overall vehicle safety and handling.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAR IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT?

Stop by Tire Discounters for a free (yes, completely free) inspection if you notice:

  • Excessive or uneven tire wear
  • The steering wheel pulls to the side
  • Feeling of looseness or wandering
  • Your steering wheel is not centered when the car is moving straight ahead
  • It's been 6,000 miles or 6 months since your last alignment check
  • Drop in fuel economy

HOW IMPORTANT IS ALIGNMENT?

Alignments extend the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run.

Plus, better alignment means better fuel efficiency, which is kinder on both your wallet and the environment. Research indicates that the average car drives about 12,000 miles per year.  A car with toe adjustment that is just 0.34 degrees (just 0.17 inches) out of specification has dragged its tires sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year! In other words, regular wheel alignments offer some sweet benefits.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY CAR ALIGNED?

As a general rule, have your vehicle's alignment checked every 6,000 miles or at least twice a year. But, always check the manufacturer's recommendations noted in your owner's manual.

During your vehicle's life, potholes are hit, sharp turns are taken and brakes are slammed - all of which cause your components to wear down and your wheels to shift which can pull your car in one direction.  Do not worry, this is natural wear and tear - but it can accelerate tire damage.  When we align your tires, we are returning the angles of your vehicle's wheels to the manufacturer's specifications.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A WHEEL ALIGNMENT?

First, the technician uses specialized tools to check your current alignment. This often involves a computerized alignment machine that measures camber, caster, and toe angles with pinpoint accuracy.

Next, adjustments are made to bring these angles within the manufacturer’s specs. This might involve tweaking suspension components like control arms, tie rods, or cam bolts.

Key adjustments include:

  • Camber adjustment: This is the inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front. Proper camber ensures even tire wear and stability when cornering.
  • Caster adjustment: This is the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis, affecting steering stability and the steering wheel’s return to center.
  • Toe adjustment: This is the angle at which the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above. Correct toe alignment promotes even tire wear and straight tracking.

 

Tire Discounters Free Alignment

TIRE DISCOUNTERS ALIGNMENT COVERAGE

Tire Discounters offers Alignment Coverage for the life of your tires!  

You can choose between a 3-year or 5-year plan, and it will cover an alignment whenever you need one for the duration of your policy. Savings over the duration of the plan are huge. If you recently purchased an alignment or received a free alignment with a 4-tire purchase and upgrade to the Alignment Coverage Plan within 30 days, you will receive full credit for one paid alignment.

*Can be combined with other offers or discounts except for warranty adjustments. The offer applies only to new tires installed by Tire Discounters. No carry-outs. Not applicable on trailer tires or used tires. National accounts are not eligible. Some exclusions apply. See store for details. Applies to most vehicles, factory high performance, lowered vehicles, lifted vehicles, or vehicles with altered suspensions may have an additional charge per policy alignment redemption.  See a sales associate for details.  

The speed rating of a tire is based on U.S. Government standards for reaching and sustaining a specified speed. Typically, a tire with a higher speed rating results in better handling. Speed ratings apply only to the tire itself, and not to a particular vehicle. Putting a tire rated for a certain speed on a vehicle does not mean that the vehicle can be safely operated at the tire's rated speed.

Tire Load Range refers to the maximum weight a tire can safely support at a specified tire pressure. For Light Trucks and SUVs, ranges are usually expressed using SL (Standard Load) and XL (Extra Load or Reinforced). It can also be represented by letters (e.g., C, D, E), which indicate the tire's ply rating, which traditionally referred to the number of layers of material within the tire.

A higher load range indicates a tire designed to carry heavier loads. For example, a tire with a Load Range E can support more weight than one with a Load Range C. The correct load range is critical for vehicle safety and performance, especially for trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles.

Tread depth is the distance between the top of the tread rubber to the bottom of the tire's deepest grooves.  In the United States, tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch.

A tire’s maximum load is the maximum amount of weight the tire is designed to hold. The tire’s load carrying capacity is directly related to the tire’s size and amount of inflation pressure that is actually used. Each load range has a assigned air pressure identified in pounds per square inch (psi) at which the tire's maximum load is rated.

A tire’s maximum inflation pressure (PSI) is the highest "cold" inflation pressure that the tire is designed to contain. When measuring a tire’s max PSI, it is important the tire is "cold," because warmer temperatures can cause the tire pressure to temporarily increase resulting with inaccurate readings. This measurement should only be used when called for on the vehicle’s tire placard or in the vehicle’s owners manual.

The mileage warranty of a tire indicates the number of miles that a tire is estimated to last. If a tire fails to last for the number of miles indicated by the warranty, the customer will be given credit from the tire manufacturer toward a new tire based on how many miles short of the estimate the tire fell. Some restrictions apply. 

The total width of the tire, including any raised features on the sidewall. 

This is how many layers of rubber and other materials are in the tire.  

The represents the smallest and widest size wheels that are recommended by the tire manufacturer for the tire to be mounted on. 

 

 

The measurement, in inches, from rim flange to the other rim flange. 

The maximum width of a wheel that a tire can be put onto. 

The minimum width of a wheel that a tire can be put onto.  

A tire's section width (also called "cross section width") is the measurement of the tire's width from its inner sidewall to its outer sidewall (excluding any protective ribs, decorations or raised letters) at the widest point. 

What makes up a tire; each ply, the sidewall, the tread, and bead.  

This number will tell you how well the tire will disperse heat buildup. 

This is how much weight a tire is rated to hold.

Mounting and Balancing – up to $159.96 pending wheel diameter

Lifetime Rotation – $299.90 

Lifetime Balancing – $449.90 

Lifetime Tire Pressure Adjustments – $16 

Rubber Valve Stems – $8

Tire Repair** – $140

Total = $1,073.76

*Estimate based on 4-tire purchase of 60,000-mile tires. 

**Excludes: Under 40 series, run-flats, mud tires, trailer tires, off-road vehicles, and any tire over six (6) years old.  Other exclusions may apply.

TD will repair flat tires as long as it can be done safely in accordance with Tire Industry Association (TIA) Guidelines.  Excludes: Under 40 series, run-flats, mud tires, trailer tires, off-road vehicles, and any tire over six (6) years old.  Other exclusions may apply.  See store for details.  

National accounts and local fleet not included.

Free Alignment with 4-Tire Purchase

National accounts not included.  Other exclusions may apply.

Mounting & Balancing  $76

Lifetime Tire Pressure Adjustments $16

Rubber Valve Stems $8

Lifetime Rotation $240

Total = $340

*Estimate based on 4-tire purchase of 60,000 mile tires. 

Our Nationwide Worry Free Guarantee offers FREE unlimited Tire Repairs for the entire life of your tires. If your tire can't be fixed and is over 3/32" tread, no worries, we will give you a replacement tire at any time, up to 3 years. We'll even help get your tire changed by including reimbursement for Roadside Assistance (up to $75) for the first 12 months at no additional cost. Effective: August 24, 2017. For complete details, see our warranty at any Tire Discounters location.

Components of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor wears over time.

A TPMS Service Kit is suggested each time a tire/wheel is serviced. If left unchanged, over time, these components of the TPMS may corrode, leak or fail.

Tire/wheel service is defined as when tire is removed from the wheel.