Wheel Alignment on the Key Peninsula

We now have our own alignment machine, so your car can be aligned in the same shop that did your suspension or steering work. If it pulls, the steering wheel sits crooked, or your tires are wearing unevenly, an alignment check is a good place to start.

Request an Appointment (253) 884-3431

Signs your alignment is off

Alignment problems often creep in slowly, so they're easy to get used to until the tires start wearing out early.

A pull isn't always alignment, though. A sticking brake caliper, a tire with a shifted internal belt, or low pressure in one tire can cause the same thing, so those are worth ruling out first. Most roads also slope toward the shoulder for drainage, so judge a pull on a flat, level stretch.

The car drifts or pulls to one side on a straight, level road
The steering wheel is off-center when you're driving straight
Tires wearing faster on the inside or outside edge
Tread that feels feathered or saw-toothed when you run your hand across it
Steering that wanders or is slow to return to center

Underside of a lifted truck with the suspension exposed

Tire tread depth gauge used to check for uneven wear

When to get an alignment

You don't need an alignment at every oil change, but it's worth a check after anything that changes or jolts your wheel angles.

Around the Key Peninsula, common culprits include potholes after a wet winter, rough gravel roads and rutted driveways. One hard hit can knock a wheel out of spec or bend a steering part.

When you put on new tires, so the new set starts out with the angles set correctly
After replacing tie rods, control arms, ball joints, struts or other steering and suspension parts
After a hard hit on a pothole, curb or deep rut
Any time you notice one of the warning signs above

Camber, caster and toe in plain words

An alignment sets the angles of your wheels relative to the vehicle and to each other. Three angles matter most: toe, camber and caster.

On many cars, only toe is adjustable from the factory, and camber and caster are set by the suspension design. When a non-adjustable angle is out of spec, that often points to a bent or worn part, and we'll explain what we found.

Toe: whether the fronts of the tires point slightly in or out, like looking down at your feet. Toe that's out of spec is one of the most common causes of fast, feathered tire wear.
Camber: how far the top of the tire leans in or out, seen from the front. Too much lean wears one edge of the tread.
Caster: the forward or backward tilt of the steering pivot, seen from the side. It helps the car track straight and the steering wheel return to center. Uneven caster from side to side can cause a pull.

Why suspension work and alignment belong under one roof

Replacing tie rods, control arms, ball joints or struts can change your wheel angles, so an alignment is usually recommended afterward. Before we had our own machine, that meant a separate trip to another shop. Now the repair and the alignment can be done in the same visit.

It works the other way too. An alignment can't be set accurately or stay put if the parts that control it are worn or loose, so we check the tie rod ends, ball joints, bushings and wheel bearings before setting the angles. If something is worn, we explain what we found and get your approval before any work.

What to expect when you bring it in

Request an appointment online or call (253) 884-3431. Drop-off starts at 6:00 AM, Monday through Friday. After hours, leave your keys in the key drop to the left of the customer lounge door.

Tell us which way it pulls, whether it started after a hit, and when the tires were last replaced. Our ASE Certified technicians check tire pressure and wear, inspect the steering and suspension, and set the adjustable angles to the manufacturer's specs. Any repairs we make are backed by our 2-year/24,000-mile warranty; learn more on our warranty page.

What We Work On

Alignment on our in-house alignment machine
Toe, camber and caster checked against manufacturer specs and adjusted where adjustable
Steering wheel centered
Tire pressure and tread wear check
Inspection of tie rods, ball joints, bushings and wheel bearings before aligning
Alignment in the same visit as suspension or steering repairs
Findings explained and your approval before any repair work
Cars, trucks, vans and SUVs, domestic and import

Every repair is backed by our 2-year/24,000-mile warranty. Warranty details

Common Questions

Will an alignment fix my tires that are already worn unevenly?

No. An alignment helps keep uneven wear from getting worse, but it can't put tread back. A tire that's badly worn on one edge may stay noisy or feel rough afterward, and we'll tell you if it's due for replacement. The wear pattern can also point to which angle was off.

Do I need an alignment when I buy new tires?

It isn't always required, but it's a smart move, especially if your old tires wore unevenly. Whatever caused that wear will start working on the new set right away.

My steering wheel is crooked, but the car drives straight. Is that alignment?

Often, yes. It can mean the toe is uneven from side to side, or the rear wheels aren't tracking straight with the front. A bent or worn steering part can also cause it. A proper alignment sets the angles and centers the steering wheel together.

How often should I have my alignment checked?

Many vehicles don't have a set alignment interval, so check your owner's manual. Have it checked after new tires, steering or suspension work, a hard hit, or any of the warning signs. If you drive gravel or rough roads, a yearly check is a reasonable habit. Your maintenance visits are also a good time to ask us to look at tire wear.

Can you align trucks, SUVs, European cars, hybrids and EVs?

We work on cars, trucks, vans and SUVs of all makes, domestic and import, including European makes, hybrids and EVs. If your vehicle is lifted, lowered or heavy-duty, call first so we can confirm. Some newer vehicles with lane-keeping cameras or radar driver assistance need a steering angle sensor reset or other follow-up after an alignment, so mention those features when you book.

More questions? See our FAQ or call (253) 884-3431.

Schedule Wheel Alignment

We’re open Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM, right next to Key Center. Drop off at opening, or leave your keys in the after-hours key drop.

Request an Appointment Call (253) 884-3431