Let’s face it — car maintenance isn’t most people’s idea of a fun afternoon. But if you’ve noticed your car drifting a bit while you drive, or your steering wheel isn’t quite centered anymore, a wheel alignment might be exactly what you need. One of the most common questions people ask before heading to the auto shop is: how long does an alignment take? The honest answer? Not as long as you might think — but it does depend on a few key things.
Let’s break it down in plain English, just like a mechanic would explain it to a regular customer.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Alignment?
In most situations, a standard wheel alignment takes about 30 to 60 minutes. That’s the ballpark you’ll hear from most auto shops. It could be shorter or longer depending on your vehicle and whether it needs any extra attention.
I’ve personally had alignments done in under 40 minutes on a basic sedan. But a buddy of mine with a lifted Jeep waited nearly an hour and a half — mostly because the suspension was custom and needed extra tweaks.
So when you ask, how long does an alignment take on a car, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. The process is generally quick, but every car tells its own story.
What Actually Happens During an Alignment?
If you’ve never had it done before, here’s the deal: an alignment doesn’t mean your tires are being moved around — it’s all about adjusting the suspension system to make sure the tires are angled correctly.
The mechanic checks and corrects:
- Camber (how much the tires tilt inward or outward)
- Toe (whether the tires point in or out)
- Caster (the angle of your steering axis)
When any of those are off, your vehicle doesn’t handle the way it should. That’s why regular alignments are so important for driving comfort, safety, and even fuel efficiency.
How Long Does It Take to Do an Alignment with No Issues?
You have to do the routine check although your car is okay and in decent shape , the alignment should take about 45 minutes or less. This is for a two -wheel adjustment, which is usually done on front wheel drive vehicles.
But if you do something that requires four-wheel-mildew-that is common for four-wheel drive cars and many modern vehicles. The process can be close to an hour.
So, to answer plainly: how long does it take to do an alignment when everything’s running smoothly? Most of the time, under an hour.
What Slows the Process Down?
You guessed it — not every car shows up ready to cooperate. Here are a few common reasons alignments take longer:
1. Worn-Out Parts
If your technician finds that your tie rods, ball joints, or control arms are damaged or loose, those need fixing before they can properly align anything. That adds time — and cost — to the job.
2. Custom Setups
Lift kits, oversized tires, aftermarket suspension? These require more manual adjustment and may even need specialized alignment settings. So, if you’re wondering how long does wheel alignment take on a customized vehicle — it could take up to 90 minutes.
3. Busy Shops
If you walk into the shop without an appointment during a rush, even a 40-minute alignment could turn into a two-hour wait. It’s always better to call ahead and schedule your visit.
How Long Does It Take for an Alignment at Chain Stores?
Large car shops such as Firestone, Midas or Pep boys are usually sharp and effective. If you have an appointment how long does it take to get an alignment in these places? Usually 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the charge.
The techs there often use high-end digital equipment, which speeds up the measuring and adjusting. But again, if you walk in during a lunch rush, expect to wait.
What About Older Vehicles?
Older cars can be tricky. Rusted bolts, worn bushings, and outdated suspension systems often make the alignment process take longer. So, how long does a wheel alignment take on an older model? Possibly over an hour, especially if the tech has to fight with seized components.
Should You Wait at the Shop?
Absolutely — most people do. Since alignments usually don’t take long, it’s a “wait while we fix it” kind of job. Just bring something to read or scroll on your phone, and you’ll likely be done before you know it.
I once had mine done at a shop that offered free Wi-Fi and coffee. I barely had time to check my email before they called my name.
How Often Should You Get an Alignment?
Good question. It’s generally recommended to have your alignment checked once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. But if you’ve hit a bad pothole, a curb, or been in a minor accident, get it checked sooner.
Real-World Scenarios
- How long does it take to do a wheel alignment after new tires? About an hour. Shops often suggest doing both together.
- How long does it take for an alignment if parts need replacing? That can bump you to two hours or more.
- How long does an alignment take on a car with no problems? 30–45 minutes, easy.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Put It Off
So to pack things: How Long Does an Alignment Take? Generally, about 30 to 60 minutes. But the real answer depends on your vehicle type, position and where you go to service.
If you ask how much time it takes to customize, how long it takes to get adjustment, or how long it takes a wheel adjustment, remember: Today a short journey can save you for hundreds in repair later.
This is one of the fastest methods to improve driving quality, increase tire life and keep the car safe.