Computerized Four-Wheel Alignment

Straight tracking, a centered steering wheel and even tire wear. We set your alignment to manufacturer specifications and show you before-and-after printouts of every adjustment.

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What a Wheel Alignment Actually Adjusts

A wheel alignment doesn't adjust the tires themselves. It adjusts the angles of the suspension that hold each wheel, so all four tires meet the road the way your vehicle's engineers intended. RoKr Auto performs computerized four-wheel alignments that measure and correct three angles. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the top of each tire when viewed from the front; too much in either direction wears one edge of the tread. Caster is the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side, which affects straight-line stability and how the steering wheel returns to center after a turn. Toe is whether the front edges of the tires point slightly toward or away from each other when viewed from above, and it is the angle that wears tires fastest when it is off, often with a feathered pattern across the tread. Each angle is set to the specifications published by your vehicle's manufacturer, not to a generic number. Because we measure all four wheels, the rear axle is checked and adjusted where your vehicle allows. You receive before-and-after printouts showing every measurement, so you can see exactly what was out of specification and what we corrected.

Signs Your Alignment Is Off

Alignment problems usually build slowly, so they are easy to get used to. The most common signs are a vehicle that drifts or pulls to one side on a straight road; a steering wheel that sits off-center while you are driving straight; steering that feels loose or wanders at highway speed; and tire wear concentrated on the inside or outside edge of the tread. Some drivers notice it first as a set of tires that wore out thousands of miles early. Alignment can be knocked out by a single hard impact. Striking a curb while parking, dropping into a pothole, or hitting road debris can shift the angles enough to affect handling and tire life, and Northwest Austin drivers see plenty of all three in the construction zones along US-183 and Parmer Ln. Normal wear in steering and suspension parts also lets the angles drift over time. We recommend an alignment check after any hard impact, whenever you install new tires, after steering or suspension parts are replaced, and any time you notice the symptoms above. Catching it early is usually the difference between a straightforward adjustment and replacing a set of tires that wore unevenly.

Alignment, Tires & Suspension Work Together

An alignment can only hold if the parts it adjusts are in good condition. Worn tie rod ends, ball joints, control arm bushings or strut mounts let the wheel angles shift as you drive, so a vehicle with loose components can be aligned perfectly on the rack and still pull or wear tires unevenly a few weeks later. That is why a suspension inspection is part of every alignment we perform. If something is worn, we'll show you what we found and explain whether it needs attention before the alignment or can wait, with a written estimate before any work begins. The reverse is also true: replacing tie rods, control arms, struts or other steering and suspension parts changes the wheel angles, so an alignment should follow that work. Tires are the third piece. New tires installed on a vehicle that is out of alignment start wearing unevenly from the first mile, while an alignment at installation helps a new set reach its full tread life. When you are replacing tires, repairing suspension, or both, we'll coordinate the work so it's done in the right order. Our repairs are backed by our 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a wheel alignment and tire balancing?

They solve different problems. An alignment adjusts the angles of the suspension so the tires point and tilt correctly, which fixes pulling, an off-center steering wheel and uneven edge wear. Balancing adds small weights to each wheel and tire so it spins evenly, which fixes vibration at highway speed. New tires get balanced when they are mounted; an alignment is a separate service.

Will you show me what was adjusted?

Yes. Every alignment includes before-and-after printouts showing the camber, caster and toe measurements for each wheel compared with your vehicle manufacturer's specifications, so you can see exactly what was out of range and what we corrected.

Can you align my car if suspension parts are worn?

We can measure it, but worn steering or suspension parts let the angles shift as you drive, so an alignment won't hold until they are repaired. A suspension inspection is part of every alignment. If we find wear, we'll show you, explain what it affects, and give you a written estimate so you can decide how to proceed.

Why does my car still pull after an alignment?

Pulling isn't always an alignment problem. A tire with an internal defect, uneven air pressure between left and right, a dragging brake caliper, or worn suspension parts can all cause a pull. If your vehicle pulls after an alignment, let us know and we'll diagnose the cause rather than simply re-adjusting the angles.