Chevrolet Certified Service
Wheel Alignment in Longview, WA
If your Chevrolet pulls to one side or its tires are wearing unevenly, Bud Clary Chevrolet checks the alignment and adjusts it to GM's specifications. GM sets the alignment at the factory and does not call for it on a schedule, so check it when you see those signs, after a hard pothole or curb hit, or when you put on new tires.
- Every 7,500 miGM's tire rotation interval
- First 7,500 miAlignment covered by the new-vehicle warranty
- GM specsSet to your model's factory settings
- SaturdaysService open 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Signs you need an alignment
Winter is the usual cause around here: freeze and thaw open potholes, and ice leaves ruts that catch a tire. A slight drift toward the edge of a crowned road is normal. A vibration at highway speed on a smooth road usually points to wheel balance, not alignment, so ask about a balance check too.
- The vehicle pulls to one side on a flat, straight road
- Uneven or fast tire wear that continues after a rotation
- The steering wheel sits off center when you drive straight
- You hit a hard pothole or curb, or went off road
- New tires, a lift or leveling kit, or new steering or suspension parts
One hard pothole hit on a rainy night can knock your alignment out, and your tires will tell you before the steering wheel does.
How an alignment visit works
- Inspect the tiresWe check tread depth and wear patterns, which show what the alignment has been doing.
- Check steering and suspensionWorn tie rods, ball joints or bushings keep an alignment from holding. If a part needs replacing, every job is quoted and approved by you before we start.
- Measure and adjustWe measure camber, caster and toe and set them to GM's specifications for your model.
- Get where you need to goOur free shuttle can drop you off when you leave your vehicle and pick you up when it's ready.
Dustin's Take
Dustin Schuler, Marketing Director, Bud Clary Auto Group
Why GM recommends it: GM sets the alignment at the factory and doesn't put it on a schedule. The idea is simple: if it drives straight and the tires wear evenly, leave it alone. If it doesn't, check it.
Why we recommend it: Winter is rough on alignment here. Freeze and thaw open potholes all over Cowlitz County, and one hard hit on a dark, rainy night can knock the front end out without you feeling it. My own Silverado runs a mid-travel suspension, and an alignment was part of that job, not an afterthought.
What happens if you skip it: The tires go first, usually on the inside edge where you can't see it. By the time you notice, the set is done, and worn tires on wet or icy roads are the last thing you want.
Lifted or leveled truck?
Changing a truck's ride height changes its alignment angles, so have the alignment checked after a lift or leveling kit goes on. GM's warranty does not cover damage caused by changing ride height outside factory settings, so ask us before you modify a Silverado or Colorado that is still under warranty.
Alignment, tires and your warranty
On a new Chevrolet, alignment and wheel balance are covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for the first 7,500 miles. After that they count as maintenance, and damage from potholes or curbs is not covered.
GM says to rotate your tires every 7,500 miles and to check the alignment if uneven wear continues after a rotation. The ClaryCare package includes three tire rotations. Shopping for tires? See our tire shop and tire repair.
What customers say
“They gave me a ride home and came and picked me up in the morning.”
Book an alignment check
Service is open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Visit our service department
Bud Clary Chevrolet1030 Commerce Ave.
Longview, WA 98632
Sales
- Mon - Fri
- 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Service
- Mon - Fri
- 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Frequently asked questions
How often does a Chevrolet need a wheel alignment?
GM does not call for alignments on a schedule. The factory setting should hold, so check it when the vehicle pulls, the steering wheel is off center, tires wear unevenly after a rotation, or after a hard pothole or curb hit.
How do I know if my car needs an alignment?
The most common signs are a pull to one side on a straight, flat road, an off-center steering wheel, and uneven tire wear that continues after a rotation.
Should I get an alignment with new tires?
It is a good time to check it. A bad alignment can wear a new set of tires out quickly.
Is an alignment covered by the Chevrolet warranty?
On a new Chevrolet, alignment and balance are covered for the first 7,500 miles. After that they are maintenance, and pothole or curb damage is not covered.
Do I need an alignment after a leveling kit or lift?
Yes. Changing ride height changes the alignment angles, so have it checked after the kit goes on.
My steering wheel shakes at highway speed. Is that the alignment?
Usually not. A vibration on a smooth road usually means a wheel needs balancing. Ask for a balance check when you book the alignment.