Wheel Alignment
Wheel Alignment in Queens, New York
Correct Your Wheel Alignment Problems at Essential Auto Care
If you want to ensure your vehicle is always ready to give you its best, proper wheel alignment is a great and too-often neglected way to give it the care it deserves. Here at Essential Auto Care in Middle Village in Queens, New York, we take care of alignment service for all makes and models efficiently. Contact us at (718) 301-6313 to schedule an appointment.
Understanding Proper Wheel Alignment
Staying on top of tire service is important for your car’s driving dynamics, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Wheel alignment refers to how the tires, and the wheels on which they’re mounted, apply to the steering system. Correct alignment ensures your wheels point straight and your tires are properly angled and centered in the wheel wells. In turn, this promotes longer and safer tire life and a smoother ride. If the wheels are off-balanced, your vehicle won’t handle properly and operate accurately. The outcomes are largely negative, as misalignment can cause your car to drive dangerously, unexpectedly, and even less efficiently. There are three main types of alignment service we perform depending on your drivetrain: front-end/two-wheel, four-wheel, and thrust-angle.
What Does Wheel Alignment Service Entail?
Misalignment means the angles of your wheels and tires in relation to your steering system are off by a certain degree. The goal is to have all four wheels parallel to one another and sitting flat on the ground. To achieve this, a typical alignment service involves adjusting the angles of the wheels back to their original specifications (which are outlined in the vehicle’s owner’s manual). There are three main angles that our technicians will account for: caster, camber, and toe. Caster is the angle of the steering axis, which is the suspension component that collectively supports the wheel and tire. Camber is the inward/outward tilt of a tire when viewed from the front of your vehicle; it can be “positive” or “negative.” Toe is the relationship of a tire’s front and rear end viewed from above.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
A standard wheel alignment typically takes about 60 minutes, depending on your vehicle type and condition. If additional components like suspension or steering parts need adjustment or replacement, it could take longer. We’ll always keep you informed if we encounter anything unexpected during the inspection and we always either show you in person with one of our technicians or document our findings with pictures and videos.
Common signs include:
- Your vehicle pulls to one side while driving
- The steering wheel is off-center even when driving straight
- Uneven or premature tire wear
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
- Recent suspension or steering repairs
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s a good idea to have your alignment checked.
Yes—proper alignment is critical for vehicle safety, handling, and tire longevity. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, reduce fuel efficiency, and make your car harder to control, especially during braking or turning.
We recommend having your alignment checked at least once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. In areas like NYC and the Northeast, where road conditions can be especially rough, more frequent checks may be necessary.
It’s also a good idea to have your alignment inspected after any of the following:
- Hitting a pothole or curb
- Suspension or steering repairs
- Installing new tires
- Feeling a change in how your vehicle drives or handles
What Are Signs of Misalignment?
Your wheels can become out of alignment gradually or instantly, which means you can’t exactly plan ahead for when you will need alignment service. However, we recommend an inspection when you get a tire rotation or installation to ensure both the tires and wheels are correctly placed. Because roads come with their own flaws and hazards, such as potholes, debris, curbs, and other vehicles, it’s easier than you may think for your car to become misaligned.
Signs you need wheel alignment service include uneven or abnormal tire wear, squealing or screeching sounds when you steer, shaking or vibrating steering wheel, or drifting or pulling to one side when you drive. If you are experiencing any one of these, we encourage you to bring your car in. Our ASE-certified technicians will use our advanced technology to put your vehicle’s wheels back in order.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Wheel alignment is just one reason to visit Essential Auto Care. We’re also here for suggested maintenance, auto repair, new tires, and everything else you need to stay safe, sound, and happy on the road ahead. We even offer perks like concierge service and free shuttle service, plus so much more! Visit us today at 69-90 73rd Place.
“Can’t say enough great things about Essential! These guys are great and have been servicing my Honda Since last year. I have had regular maintenance performed like my oil changes and wheel alignments done and they just replaced my front brakes. They are especially accommodating to my schedule due to me being handicap. Great customer service and I am very happy to have found them. Best repair shop I’ve ever been to”
