Align after the parts change, not just after a bump
Most people think of alignment as something a pothole or a curb knocks out. That happens, but there is a second cause that is far more predictable and far more often skipped: the vehicle itself has been changed.
Alignment is a set of angles measured between the wheels and the body. Anything that alters the parts holding the wheels, or the height the body sits at, alters those angles.
Steering and suspension parts. A new tie rod end, a ball joint, a control arm, struts or shocks. Even when the parts are installed perfectly, the settings move.
Ride height. A lift kit, a leveling kit, lowering springs, or new springs after old ones sagged. A pickup that sits two inches higher sits at different angles.
A permanent load. A service body, a heavy toolbox or a ladder rack that stays on the truck changes how it sits, and the alignment should be set for the way the truck actually runs.
In each case the vehicle may drive perfectly well afterwards, and the tires still wear at the wrong angle. That is why an alignment belongs at the end of the job rather than as a follow-up when the tires complain.
Signs to watch for anyway
- The steering wheel sits off center on a straight road.
- The vehicle drifts to one side on a level street.
- One edge of a tire is wearing faster than the other.
While it is here
Worn parts found during the check are suspension repair, and a vibration rather than a pull is usually tire and wheel balancing. Both are at this store. The national alignment page covers how the measurement works.
Other stores nearby
The Salt Lake City Truck Tire Center and Ogden also align cars and light trucks.
About this store
This is the Salt Lake City Commercial & Consumer store, carrying all nine Purcell tire categories and managed by Brian Morris. See the Salt Lake City page for the city's other listings.
See the national car and light truck alignment page for all 40 locations.