Wheel Alignment

Why Have A Wheel Alignment?

A proper alignment ensures that all four wheels are in the recommended position for your type of vehicle. This is fundamental to preserving both your vehicle's safety and extending the tread life of your tires.

What Are The Benefits Of A Wheel Alignment?

Longer tire life
Better gas mileage
Assures warranty compliance (with rotations)
Bad alignment can negate benefits of tire rotation
Improves vehicle handling and safety

When Should I Have My Wheels Aligned?

We recommend vehicle alignment checks every 6-12 months or every other tire rotation. More often if driving in extreme conditions, potholes, or if your vehicle is not handling properly. A bad jolt, such as hitting a pothole, can throw your vehicle out of alignment even if you recently had it checked or aligned. Such an impact can also bend the rim, causing a loss of air pressure, and create damage to your tires with little or no visible external indication. You should have your alignment checked immediately if you notice any of the warning signs mentioned below.

What Causes Wheel Alignment Problems? What Are Some Of The Signs?

Over time, as you drive – it's normal that your tires may lose their balance and eventually come out of alignment. For example, hitting a large pothole can jar a wheel with enough force to alter the vehicle's alignment. Road curbs, parking stops, and speed bumps can all contribute to issues with your alignment. As with a lot of car maintenance topics – many of the factors depend on individual driving habits, commuting distance, urban location, condition of the roads, etc.

Here are some common warning signs you may need an alignment check:

Drifting or pulling
Steering wheel is off-center
Vibrating steering wheel
Loose steering
Uneven tire wear

How Long Does An Alignment Take?

Generally, alignment checks, and minor adjustments can be completed in an hour or less. Depending on the complexity of the issue and any other related work, times can vary. A note to make about service completion time is many new vehicles come equipped with steering stability sensors. These sensors measure the steering wheel position angle and rate of a vehicle turn. The steering stability sensors need to be reset every time an alignment is performed. We'll do our best to provide you with an accurate time estimate once we've had a chance to take a closer look at your vehicle.

Dunn Tire Offers A FREE Alignment Check Service!

Inspection extensions

You can receive an inspection extension if you buy or get a vehicle from an out-of-state source. After you register the vehicle in NYS, you are allowed ten days to complete the vehicle inspection. Any inspection issued to the previous registrant is not valid after you register the vehicle.

If you become a New York state resident

If you become a resident of NYS and register your vehicle in NYS, your out-of-state inspection remains valid. The out-of-state certificate or inspection sticker issued in your name is valid until it expires, or for one year after the vehicle is registered in NYS, whichever comes first. When your out-of-state inspection expires, you must get the vehicle inspected in NYS.

What items does NY State Require be checked for the Safety Inspection?

Seat Belts
Brakes
Steering, Front End, Suspension, Chassis, Frame and Wheel Fasteners
Tires (Except spare)
Lights
Windshield and Other Glass
Windshield Wipers and Blades
Horn
Mirrors
Fuel Leaks
Tinted Windows (effective Jan.17)

See full details of the requirements here.

What are the Emissions Inspection requirements?

(Excerpt taken directly from NY State DMV Website)

The 1990 Federal Clean Air Act requires New York State to conduct an inspection program to help reduce harmful emissions from most passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The emissions inspection is done at the same time as the annual safety inspection. Vehicles that fail the emissions inspection may not be able to become registered or, if already registered, the registration may not be renewed.

On-Board Diagnostics Generation II (OBDII) Inspection. Most 1996 or newer gasoline-powered vehicles and most 1997 or newer diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds are subject to the OBDII emissions inspection. This test examines the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "check engine" light, for operation/illumination, and verifies the test results of the vehicle's "on-board emissions diagnostic" system.

Low Enhanced Inspection. A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles from and including model year 1995 and older, through and including vehicles that are up to 25 model years old, and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.

Each emissions inspection for gasoline-powered vehicles confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present, is in good condition, and fits properly.

The following emissions control devices are examined if the vehicle was originally manufactured with them:

Catalytic converter (CAT)
Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR)
Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV)
Air injection system (AIS)
Evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR)
Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC)

You can help your vehicle pass an OBDII emissions inspection by keeping it properly maintained. If the vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL, or "check engine" light) indicates there may be a malfunction or other problem, have the vehicle properly repaired. A well maintained, properly functioning vehicle uses less fuel and creates less exhaust emissions.