How Much Does a Wheel Alignment Cost in Australia?

Do you feel your car slightly pulling to the left or right? Or does your steering wheel seem crooked even while you’re driving in a straight line? If you answered with a resounding yes to both, you’ll need a wheel alignment as soon as possible. So how much does a wheel alignment cost? 

Well, the average wheel alignment cost for small cars could start as low as $50, while mechanics can start charging $120 or more for larger vehicles. For SUVs, FWD, and luxury vehicles, wheel alignment could start as high as $150. Save yourself the trouble and get the problem solved as soon as you can. Just like any car issue, neglect only makes the cost of wheel alignment and balance soar in the long run.

Properly aligned wheels play a crucial role in ensuring your vehicle’s safety, fuel efficiency, and performance. In Australia, where vast distances and varying road conditions are common, maintaining a well-aligned vehicle is a necessity.

Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are essential automotive maintenance procedures that serve distinct purposes. Simply put, wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels to manufacturer specifications, optimising the contact between tires and the road. This enhances vehicle handling and overall safety while driving. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling.

On the other hand, wheel balancing focuses on distributing weight evenly around the tire and wheel assembly, preventing vibrations and wobbling while driving. Imbalanced wheels can cause irregular tire wear and decrease ride comfort. Regular wheel alignment and balancing are crucial for maintaining a safe and smooth driving experience and should be performed as part of routine vehicle maintenance.

If you’re wondering how much does a wheel alignment cost, here’s a quick table showing the average cost per city. Take note these are only estimates. Make sure to get an accurate price quote on car services like wheel alignment by speaking to a professional. 

Wheel alignment cost

Wheel balancing cost

The average wheel balance costs typically range from $50 to $75 per wheelset, depending on various factors. These factors include wheel type (steel or alloy), geographic location, and additional services required, such as clutch servicing and brake pad replacement. Some service centres may offer discounted rates as part of regular maintenance packages, while luxury or specialty vehicles may incur higher costs. Considering the benefits of reduced tire wear and improved ride comfort, the expense of wheel balancing is a worthwhile investment to ensure optimal performance and prolong the service life of your tires.

Recognising signs that your car needs wheel alignment or balancing is crucial for maintaining a smooth and safe driving experience. This may very well save your life or, at the very least, enables you to know when you need to get your car checked. 

If you notice any of the following, have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic immediately:

• Uneven or rapid tire wear
• Vehicle pulling to one side while driving on a straight road
• Crooked steering wheel even when driving straight
• Vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds
• Unusual noises, such as squealing or screeching from the tires

Regularly inspecting your tires and being attentive to changes in your car’s handling can help you identify early signs of misalignment and address them before they lead to bigger problems.

The cost of wheel alignment and balancing depends on several factors. You can make better decisions if you understand what directly affects the wheel alignment cost. 

1. Service provider

Different automotive service centres may offer varying pricing structures based on their location, reputation, and equipment capabilities.

2. Type of alignment and balancing

There are various types of wheel alignment and balancing procedures, such as front-end alignment, four-wheel alignment, static balancing, and dynamic balancing. The complexity and extent of the required adjustments can influence the overall cost.

3. Vehicle type

The make and model of your vehicle also impact the cost. For instance, larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks may require more labour and additional weights during balancing.

4. Geographic location

Labour costs and market competition can vary across different regions and cities, leading to price differences.

5. Additional repairs

If the wheel alignment or balancing process reveals the need for additional repairs, such as worn suspension components or damaged wheels, the overall cost may increase.

6. Specialised vehicles

High-performance or luxury vehicles may require specialised equipment and expertise, which can result in higher service costs.

7. Bundled services, warranties, and guarantees

Some service centres may offer wheel alignment and balancing as part of maintenance packages, providing potential cost savings when combined with other services. The same service centres may offer warranties or guarantees on their wheel alignment and balancing services, which can affect the pricing.

8. Aftermarket or OEM parts 

The choice between aftermarket or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for any replacement can influence the overall cost.

9. Technology and equipment

Advanced alignment and balancing technology may result in higher costs, but it can also ensure more precise adjustments and superior results.

Your wallet and bank account will thank you for saving more on expanses. Here are some quick tips for saving on wheel balancing and wheel alignment costs:

• Compare prices from different service centres.
• Look for promotions and discounts.
• Consider bundled maintenance packages.
• Regularly maintain your vehicle to prevent issues.
• Drive cautiously to avoid misalignments.
• Inspect your tires for signs of wear or vibrations.
• Seek professional advice when needed.
• Inquire about warranties for services.
  

When you find yourself in need of professional automotive assistance, hiring a mechanic on Oneflare can be a convenient and reliable solution. With a vast network of qualified mechanics at your fingertips, you can easily compare quotes, read customer reviews, and select the right mechanic for your specific needs and budget. 

Whether it’s routine maintenance or wheel alignment and balancing, Oneflare streamlines the process of finding a skilled mechanic in your local area, ensuring your vehicle receives top-notch care and expertise. Log on to Oneflare today, and get a quote on wheel alignment costs that fit your budget.