You may be wondering whether or not your car needs an alignment after changing shocks if you have recently replaced the shocks in your car. And it is a question that is all too often neglected by car owners, while not having ass to alignment issues after suspension work can lead to bigger sinks further down the road.
Taking good care of your suspension system is so important because it allows you to have peace of mind when driving over rough terrain which makes a huge difference in how comfortable of a ride you get, not to mention that keeping your car stable and balanced while driving is going to prolong the life on their tires. We will also discuss if you need an alignment after changing shocks, why is it necessary and what are the warning signs to look out for to better preserve your car.
Key Takeaways:
- Replacing shocks may not always require an alignment, but it is recommended in most cases.
- Poor alignment can cause uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and even affect your car’s handling.
- Regular suspension checkups help in maintaining vehicle performance and safety.
What Is a Car Alignment and Why Does It Matter?
Our wheels are the way our tires meet the roadway. There are three primary angles to watch for in an alignment:
- Camber: The angle of the wheel as seen from the front of the vehicle.
- Toe (above view): Relative alignment between tires.
- Caster: The angle of the steering axis, beefs up your car’s stability.
Symptoms of misalignment include your car pulling to the side, uneven tire wear, or poor handling (especially at higher speeds). Poor alignment, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 5% of all tire-related crashes in America can be imputed to inferior posture.
Why Alignment is Important:
- Safety: Wheels out of alignment can cause your vehicle to become hard to handle.
- Tire Longevity: When your car is misaligned, you will experience an uneven wearing of the tires that potentially reduces their life expectancy.
- Fuel Efficiency: Misalignment of tires can reduce fuel efficiency by as high as 10% because improperly aligned tires oppose resistance to the engine and force it to work harder.
- Ride Quality: A vehicle not correctly aligned will drift or pull, and constant steering correction can make that commute exhausting.
How Shocks Affect Your Car’s Alignment
Your car’s suspension system is made up of shocks, or shock absorbers. They soak in the bumps and rough surfaces and keep you on a smooth stretch of track. While shocks do not have any influence on your wheels’ alignment, rebooking them may impact the entire geometry of your suspension.
How so:
- Suspension Settling: If you install new shocks, the vehicle may sit a little higher or lower than before, which could alter the degree of your tires and suspension elements.
- Wear and Tear: If your shocks were old, the alignment on your car might have been compensating for a sagging suspension, and the replacement of new shocks could potentially upset that balance as well.
- Component Interaction: Suspension components usually work in conjunction with other parts like springs and control arms, which might also need realignment, for instance, when working on shocks.
This means swapping shocks not only does not put your wheels out of alignment but also causes you to check for any tweaks that are needed.
Signs That Your Car Needs Alignment After Changing Shocks
Can changing shocks cause the car to be out of alignment? Here are some signs to watch for:
- Uneven Tire Wear: Tires that model unevenly — even speeding slower than their peers — can show poor alignment.
- Pulling to One Side: If your car tips to one flank or another, even when you are going directly, then it is time for an alignment.
- Steering Wheel Off-Center: When you put new surprises on and the steering wheel doesn’t return to base or feels evil, it may be a warning signal for alignment issues.
- Steering Wheel Vibration: If you see your steering shaking, especially on the freeway, this could be a symptom of misalignment.
- Noisy Suspension: The rest should be quiet after the shocks are established. If you have a clunky, loud break, other culprits in the alignment of the design may need awareness.
The Benefits of Aligning Your Car After Changing Shocks
So how do you know if you should rush to get that alignment appointment after new shocks? Here are the top benefits:
Correct Tire Life
By having your tires aligned, they wear uniformly and last longer, protecting you from the cost of replacing them prematurely. Alignment helps tires last up to 30% longer — a substantial claim from any tire manufacturer.
Better Gas Mileage
Proper alignment ensures that all wheels are facing the correct direction, reducing unnecessary friction. This keeps your car’s engine from straining, leading to up to 7% better fuel economy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Improved Handling and Safety
When all of your vehicle’s suspension components work together properly, you’ll benefit from better handling and easier change of direction (agility). This is essential in emergencies for optimal vehicle control.
Better Driving Experience
When your alignment is right, there will be no more pulling to the left or vibrations in your steering wheel, making for a smoother ride.
When Do You Not Need an Alignment After Replacing Shocks?
While doing so is always recommended, you might not necessarily need an alignment after changing shocks if:
- Only Shocks Replaced: If nothing else in your suspension was touched and the new shocks have specifications within 10-15% of the original, a full re-alignment isn’t warranted.
- Quick Fix: If you are only replacing the shocks and your vehicle was recently aligned, there may be no need for an immediate alignment.
- Symptom-Free: If your vehicle tracks straight, the steering wheel is centered, and tire wear is healthy, you might not need an alignment just yet.
But failing to get an alignment when needed can create bigger headaches later on, including faster tire wear and decreased fuel efficiency.
How Much Does an Alignment Cost?
The cost of an alignment can vary depending on your location, vehicle type, and the auto shop you visit. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Service | Estimated Cost |
| Front Wheel Alignment | $50 – $75 |
| Four-Wheel Alignment | $100 – $150 |
| Premium or Extended Service | $150+ |
Prices tend to be lower at national chains like Firestone or Goodyear, but premium service centers may charge higher rates. Always compare prices and ensure you’re getting a comprehensive alignment that checks all aspects of the suspension system.
Conclusion
Answers to the question: Do I need an alignment after changing shocks on my car? Though not a requirement, an alignment may be necessary to make sure that your car’s suspension is in complete balance. So while replacing shocks can make your car feel like new, continuing to get the rest of your vehicle regularly checked will keep you from pricy repairs and ensure your vehicle is safe and efficient on the road.
Are there any key indicators that your car could have alignment issues? Get your alignment check done today before it’s too late! And if you enjoyed this how-to, check out our other suspension maintenance and tire care guides.