You’re probably wondering, does Discount Tire do alignment? It’s a common question for drivers looking for complete car care. The short answer is no, Discount Tire does not offer wheel alignment services. They focus specifically on tires and wheels. But that doesn’t mean they can’t help you get the service you need.
Understanding what a shop does and doesn’t do saves you time. It helps you plan your vehicle maintenance correctly. Let’s look at why alignments are important and where you can get one.
Does Discount Tire Do Alignment?
Discount Tire is America’s largest independent tire and wheel retailer. Their expertise and services are centered entirely on tires, wheels, and related components. This includes sales, installation, repair, rotation, and balancing.
Wheel alignment is a different type of procedure. It involves adjusting the suspension system. This is the system that connects your vehicle to its wheels. Since it’s not a tire or wheel repair itself, it falls outside their service scope.
Their policy ensures they specialize in what they do best. You wouldn’t go to a bakery for a haircut. Similarly, Discount Tire sticks to their core specialty for quality and efficiency.
What Services Does Discount Tire Actually Offer?
Since they don’t do alignments, it’s good to know what they do provide. Here’s a breakdown of their primary services:
- Tire Sales & Installation: Their main business, offering a huge selection of brands and types.
- Tire Repair: Fixing punctures in the repairable area of the tread.
- Tire Rotation: Moving tires to different positions to promote even wear.
- Tire Balancing: Adding small weights to the wheel to prevent vibration.
- Flat Tire Assistance: Help if you get a flat, often at no cost for repair if possible.
- Wheel Sales & Installation: Including new rims and ensuring proper fitment.
- TPMS Service: Servicing your Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors.
- Brake Checks: They often visually inspect your brakes during tire service as a courtesy.
Why Wheel Alignment is a Separate Service
Alignment requires specialized equipment and training. The machine uses sensors clamped to your wheels to measure precise angles. A technician then adjusts the suspension components to bring these angles back to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
This is fundamentally different from mounting or balancing a tire. The tools and expertise are not the same. Most general repair shops, dealerships, and dedicated alignment centers offer this service.
Key Alignment Angles Technicians Adjust
- Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front.
- Toe: Whether the fronts of the tires are closer (toe-in) or farther (toe-out) than the rears.
- Caster: The angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side, affecting stability.
What Discount Tire Might Do If You Need an Alignment
Even though they don’t perform alignments, their technicians are trained to spot the signs. If they see irregular tire wear during a rotation or inspection, they will likely tell you.
They might recommend you get an alignment soon. They could even suggest you get it done before installing new tires. This protects your investment. Putting new tires on a misaligned car will cause them to wear out prematurely.
They won’t try to sell you a service they don’t offer. Their advice is usually a helpful indicator that you should visit another shop.
Signs Your Car Needs a Wheel Alignment
You don’t need to wait for a technician to notice. Watch for these symptoms yourself:
- Vehicle Pulling: The car drifts to the left or right when you’re driving straight on a flat road.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: The wheel is crooked when you’re driving straight.
- Uneven Tire Wear: The inside or outside edges of your tires are wearing faster than the center, or you see “feathering.”
- Steering Wheel Vibration: A shaking feeling in the wheel, often confused with unbalanced tires.
- Squealing Tires: Especially when not braking, can indicate misalignment.
Common Causes of Misalignment
Knowing the causes can help you avoid them. Even if you can’t always prevent it, you’ll know why it happened.
- Hitting Potholes or Curbs: A major impact can knock suspension components out of spec.
- Driving Over Speed Bumps Too Fast: Repeated jolts stress the suspension over time.
- Worn Suspension Parts: As components like ball joints or tie rod ends wear, they affect alignment.
- Vehicle Modifications: Lifting, lowering, or changing tire size can alter geometry.
- Minor Accidents: Even a small fender-bender can tweak your alignment.
Where to Get a Wheel Alignment
Since Discount Tire isn’t an option, here are the best places to go for a quality alignment.
1. Dealership Service Centers
Your car’s make-specific dealership has the exact specs and often factory-trained technicians. They can be more expensive, but they use OEM procedures. This is a good choice for newer or luxury vehicles still under warranty.
2. National Auto Repair Chains
Shops like Firestone Complete Auto Care, Goodyear Auto Service, Midas, or Pep Boys offer alignments. They frequently run promotions and offer lifetime alignment packages. This can be a great value if you plan to keep your car a long time.
3. Independent Repair Shops & Alignment Specialists
Local mechanics often provide excellent service at competitive prices. Look for shops with modern alignment racks and good reviews. Some shops specialize only in alignments and suspension work.
4. Other Tire Store Chains
Some competitors, like Les Schwab or certain regional chains, do offer alignment services alongside tire sales. It’s always worth calling to ask if alignment is part of their service menu.
The Alignment Process: What to Expect
Knowing what happens during an alignment can make you feel more confident. Here’s a typical step-by-step process.
- Pre-Alignment Check: The technician will test drive the vehicle if possible and perform a visual inspection of the suspension and tires. They check for worn parts that must be replaced before an alignment can be performed correctly.
- Mounting on the Rack: Your car is driven onto a specialized alignment rack.
- Sensor Attachment: Clamps with electronic sensors are attached to all four wheels.
- Initial Measurement: The computer reads the current camber, toe, and caster angles.
- Comparison to Specs: The computer compares these readings to the vehicle manufacturer’s database.
- Adjustment: The technician loosens and adjusts specific suspension components (tie rods, eccentrics, etc.) to bring the angles into the “green” or acceptable range.
- Final Verification & Test Drive: After adjustments, the computer verifies the settings. A final test drive ensures the pull is gone and the steering wheel is straight.
Two-Wheel vs. Four-Wheel Alignment
This is a crucial distinction. Most older cars with a solid rear axle only need a two-wheel alignment (front wheels only).
Most modern cars, SUVs, and trucks have independent rear suspensions. All four wheels have adjustable angles. These vehicles require a four-wheel alignment. Always confirm which service your car needs. Getting only a two-wheel alignment on a car that needs four is a waste of money.
Cost of a Wheel Alignment
Alignment prices vary widely based on location, vehicle type, and shop. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Two-Wheel Alignment: $50 – $100
- Four-Wheel Alignment: $100 – $200
- Lifetime Alignment Package: $150 – $300 (one-time fee for unlimited alignments for as long as you own the car, often from chains like Firestone).
Remember, if worn parts need replacement (like tie rod ends), that will be an additional cost for parts and labor. The shop should get your approval before doing this extra work.
How Often Should You Get an Alignment?
Follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual. A general rule of thumb is to check it once a year or every 12,000 miles. Get an alignment immediately if you notice any of the warning signs mentioned earlier, or if you hit a major pothole or curb.
It’s also highly recommended to get an alignment whenever you install a new set of tires. This ensures they start their life with perfect wear patterns.
Working with Discount Tire When You Need an Alignment
Here’s a smart strategy for combining Discount Tire’s services with an alignment elsewhere.
Scenario 1: You Need New Tires and an Alignment
- Get a diagnostic alignment check first at an alignment shop. This confirms you need one and identifies any bad parts.
- Complete the alignment service at that shop.
- Then, visit Discount Tire to purchase and install your new tires. Your fresh alignment will protect them.
Scenario 2: Discount Tire Recommends an Alignment During Service
- Thank them for the information. Ask if they can note the specific tire wear pattern they see.
- Schedule the alignment as soon as reasonably possible at another shop.
- If you’re getting new tires from them soon, consider doing the alignment first, as in Scenario 1.
Scenario 3: You Just Had an Alignment and Need Tires
This is straightforward. Simply go to Discount Tire for your tire purchase and installation. Your recent alignment means their tire balancing and rotation services will be all you need for optimal tire life.
FAQs About Discount Tire and Alignments
Will Discount Tire check my alignment for free?
They do not have alignment machines, so they cannot give you a printout of your angles. However, their technicians can often visually identify signs of misalignment, like uneven tire wear, during a free tire inspection.
Can I get an alignment at Discount Tire if I buy tires there?
No. Their policy does not change with a tire purchase. They are a tire and wheel specialist, not a full-service garage. You will need to go to a separate facility for the alignment.
Does Discount Tire do free alignment checks?
They do not perform formal alignment checks. They can check your tire wear, which is a symptom. For a computerized alignment check, visit a shop that offers the service. Some places offer free checks hoping to sell you the alignment.
What tire services help with alignment issues?
While they don’t fix alignment, their tire rotation service can help manage uneven wear caused by a mild misalignment until you get it fixed. Tire balancing addresses vibration, which is sometimes related.
Why is alignment so important for my tires?
Misalignment causes rapid, irregular tire wear. It can shorten a tire’s life by thousands of miles. It also reduces fuel efficiency and makes your car less safe to drive due to pulling or poor handling.
Does Discount Tire offer any alignment warranty?
Since they don’t perform alignments, they do not offer an alignment warranty. Their warranties cover tire defects, road hazards, and workmanship on the services they actually provide, like mounting and balancing.
Can bad alignment damage my new tires from Discount Tire?
Yes, absolutely. Installing new tires on a car with bad alignment is one of the worst things you can do. The new tires will immediately start to wear unevenly. Always correct alignment issues before or immediately after getting new tires.
Making a Smart Maintenance Plan
Now you know the answer to “does Discount Tire do alignment?” is no. But you also know much more. You understand the importance of alignment, where to get it, and how to combine it with Discount Tire’s excellent tire services.
The key is to see these as complementary services. Use Discount Tire for their expertise in tires and wheels. Use a qualified alignment shop for suspension and angle adjustments. This two-stop approach ensures each job is done by specialists with the right tools.
Regular alignments are a smart investment. They extend tire life, improve safety, and enhance your vehicle’s drivability. By planning your maintenance with this knowledge, you’ll save money in the long run and enjoy a smoother, safer ride every day.