A key component of vehicle maintenance is tire alignment, which guarantees that the wheels are set up following the manufacturer’s instructions. Uneven tire wear, poor handling, maneuverability, and safety are all associated risks with out-of-alignment wheels.
We’ll examine why Walmart doesn’t offer tire alignment services in this post and several substitute possibilities.
In this article:
Does Walmart Do Tire Alignments?
You may wonder why Walmart, a retail giant known for its automotive services, does not offer tire alignment. While it’s not explicitly stated, some indications suggest it’s likely due to liability concerns.
Tire alignment involves precise adjustments to a vehicle’s suspension system, and any error in this process could lead to accidents or damage, making it a high-risk service.
How Often Should Tire Alignment Be Carried Out?
Generally, tires should undergo alignment every 2 to 3 years. Regular alignment can prevent uneven tire wear and extend the lifespan of your tires. Here are some signs that your vehicle may need an alignment:
- The car pulls to one side while driving
- The steering wheel is off-center when the car is driving straight.
- The tires are wearing unevenly
- The car vibrates while driving
- Vehicle pulling to one side.
- Uneven or premature tire tread wear
- Squeaking or squealing tires
- Off-center steering wheel while driving straight
- Steering wheel vibration during acceleration
The Importance of Tire Alignment
Tire alignment (wheel alignment) is essential to preventative car care. Wheel alignment guarantees that all car wheels are the same distance apart and follow manufacturer requirements. Many reasons for frequent tire alignment:
Safety: Properly aligned wheels ensure that your vehicle has the best possible handling, reducing the risk of accidents. Misaligned wheels can make your car handle unpredictably, especially in urgent situations.
Tire Longevity: Misaligned wheels can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. Proper alignment ensures even tire wear, allowing your tires to last longer.
Fuel Efficiency: A misaligned vehicle can drag or pull, making the engine work harder and, in turn, using more fuel. Proper alignment can help maximize fuel efficiency.
Smooth Ride: If your wheels are misaligned, you might feel a vibration in the steering wheel or the car pulling to one side. Aligning your wheels can provide a smoother ride.
Suspension System: Misaligned wheels can stress the car’s suspension, leading to unnecessary wear and tear and potential repair costs.
Detailed Description of Tire Alignment Services
Tire alignment services involve adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the car manufacturer’s specifications. The primary purpose is to let the suspension and the steering systems operate at their desired angles. This service is divided into several types:
Front-end Alignment: This is the most basic type of alignment service. It involves adjusting only the front wheels of a vehicle. This is suitable for vehicles with a solid rear axle.
Thrust Alignment: This type of alignment is for vehicles with a solid rear axle when the rear axle is misaligned. The front wheels are aligned to the rear wheels, ensuring that the vehicle is squared off and tracked in a straight line.
Four-wheel Alignment: This is the most comprehensive alignment service and is typically recommended for all-wheel-drive vehicles or vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions. Both the front and rear axles are analyzed and adjusted.
Alignment Check: Before performing any alignment, a technician will always conduct an alignment check, including:
- Tire Inspection: Checking for uneven wear patterns.
- Suspension System Inspection: Checking for worn parts that can cause alignment issues.
- Steering System Inspection: Ensuring that all parts are in good condition.
- Measurement of Current Alignment Angles: Using specialized equipment to measure and compare the current alignment angles to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Alignment Adjustments: Based on the results of the alignment check, the technician will then adjust the various alignment angles to bring them to the correct specifications. These angles include:
- Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front. Incorrect camber can lead to edge wear on the tires.
- Toe: The extent to which the tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above. Incorrect toe can lead to rapid tire wear.
- Caster: The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side. Caster affects the vehicle’s steering stability.
Is Walmart Offering Wheel Alignment Services in 2024?
As of 2024, the straightforward answer is no. Walmart no longer provides wheel alignment services. If you find yourself in need of a wheel alignment, there are alternative options readily available.
Where Can You Get Wheel Alignment Services?
Wheel alignment is an important part of car maintenance, and fortunately, the US has several competent auto service companies that offer it at competitive prices. Here are some popular options:
Mr. Tire: With locations across America and a specialization in wheel alignments (both front-end and four-wheel), Mr. Tire offers this service at an affordable rate, typically ranging from $50 to $100. You can find a nearby Mr. Tire location by visiting or calling their website.
Additionally, you can explore other well-known auto care centers, including:
- Tires Plus
- Midas
- Jiffy Lube
- Meineke Car Care Center
- Goodyear
- Sears Auto Center
- Tire Discounters
- Firestone Complete Auto Care
- Big O Tires
Each of these establishments offers wheel alignment services within the $50 to $100 price range, ensuring your vehicle’s wheels stay perfectly aligned.
Walmart’s Tire Service Offerings
While Walmart may not provide tire alignment services, they offer a comprehensive range of tire-related services to help you maintain your vehicle. These services include:
- Tire Mounting: $5-$11 per tire
- Tire Balance and Rotation: $15 per tire
- Road Hazard Warranty: $10 per tire
- Valve Stem Installation: $3 per tire
- Flat Tire Repair: $15 per tire
- Tire Rotation: $2.50 per tire
- Lug Nut Replacement: $3.5 per lug nut
- Fuel System Maintenance: $20
- Wiper Blades and Installation: $10 per blade
- Air Filter Installation: Free
- Headlight Restoration: $25 per vehicle
- Headlight Installation: $7.50 per headlight
- Miniature Bulb Installation: $5 per bulb
- Battery Installation: $10 (free for batteries purchased at Walmart)
Walmart, known for its wide selection, offers complete tire-related services to car owners. Despite not offering tire alignment, they provide other vital tire and wheel services. These services include mounting, balancing, repairs, and rotations to keep your tires healthy.
| Service | Price |
| Wheel Mounting | $11 per tire |
| Flat Tire Repair (Tubeless) | $15 per tire |
| Wheel Rotation | $2.50 per tire |
| Lifetime Balance and Rotation | $14 per tire |
| Valve Stem Installation | $3 per tire |
| Road Hazard Warranty | $10 per tire |
| Lug Nut Replacement | $3.5 per lug nut |
Walmart’s Auto Care Centers also include maintenance and oil changes, which cost $19.88 to $49.88 and $3.50 to $45. Non-standard oil changes may cost more.
Walmart Auto Care Centers make car maintenance easy and economical. Walmart has the skills and resources to do a simple oil change or a more sophisticated repair. Walmart Auto Care Centers are ideal for all car maintenance needs due to their vast selection of services and warranties.
Here are other auto maintenance care services that Walmart offers
Walmart is a one-stop shop for all your automotive needs, including maintenance and oil changes. Their Auto Care Centers offer many affordable services to keep your car running smoothly and safely.
Walmart Auto Care Center Services:
- Oil changes
- Tire rotations
- Brake inspections
- Battery checks
- Air filter replacements
- Cabin air filter replacements
- Fuel filter replacements
- Spark plug replacements
- Change Motorcycle Tires
- Coolant flush
- Transmission flush
- Differential flush
- Wheel alignment
- Wiper blade replacements
- Headlight bulb replacements
- Tail light bulb replacements
- Brake pad replacements
- Brake rotor replacements
- Engine tune-ups
- Suspension repairs
- Exhaust repairs
- Air conditioning repairs
- Heating system repairs
- Electrical repairs
Walmart also offers a variety of other maintenance services, such as:
- Auto detailing
- Car wash
- Lube service
- Emissions testing
Walmart Auto Care Centers are staffed by certified technicians who use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your car gets the best possible service. They also offer a variety of warranties on their parts and services, so you can be confident that your investment is protected.
Scheduling an Appointment at Walmart Auto Care Center
Schedule Walmart Auto Care Center services or tire changes online using the Store Finder tool. This tool finds Walmart Auto Care Centers near you. After finding a good spot, click “Details” to check the store’s Auto Care Center status.
Phone numbers are included in store descriptions to call and arrange services. Walmart lets you arrange a tire care appointment during checkout if you buy four tires.
Final Words
Tire alignment ensures a safe and smooth ride and extends tire life. Regular maintenance can save you money and keep your car running well. Walmart may not offer tire alignment, but many other tire maintenance options exist. Pricing, warranty coverage, convenience, and experience should all be considered when choosing a tire alignment shop.
To keep your tires lasting and your car running smoothly, maintain them often. Wheel misalignment can cause safety hazards and costly repairs, so fixing it immediately is important.
FAQs
How much is a good alignment?
A proper alignment costs $50–168, depending on the car and alignment type. A front-end alignment, which requires only the two front wheels, is cheaper than a four-wheel alignment.
How long does an alignment take?
Alignments usually take 30-60 minutes. The time depends on the car and alignment type. Some automobiles require specific equipment or engineering innovations that make repairs harder and longer.
Is tire balance the same as alignment?
Both tire balance and alignment are different. Tire balancing distributes tire weight uniformly around the wheel, while alignment points the wheels in the right direction. Good fuel economy, tire life, and handling depend on tire balance and alignment.
Are alignments worth it?
Yes, alignments are worth it. A good alignment can help improve fuel economy, tire life, and handling. It can also help reduce wear and tear on other vehicle components, such as the suspension and steering system.
Disclaimer: This information is provided based on trusted sources and experiences. Any changes in the products or services offered by companies may lead to updates in the information provided here.
