Wheel Alignment and Suspension Services Near You in Fairview Heights, IL

Our suspension parts* are guaranteed for as long as you own your car. At Midas 6016 North Illinois Street, we stand by our parts with our Golden Guarantee™. Whether it's brake pads, or shocks and struts, they're all backed by our Limited Lifetime** Guarantee.

*Valid on brake pads, shoes, mufflers, shocks and struts ↩

**Limited Lifetime Guarantee valid for as long as you own your car ↩

Symptoms such as drifting, uneven tire wear, or a tilted steering wheel while driving straight make it easy to tell when your car isn’t in alignment. Tire alignment addresses the vehicle's suspension, not just the tires. Therefore, having a specialist who can accurately adjust your suspension system is crucial.

What does wheel alignment do?

Wheel alignment, often referred to as tire alignment, involves adjusting a car's suspension system, which connects the vehicle to its wheels. Contrary to popular belief, it focuses on the suspension, not the tires or wheels. A properly done alignment prevents your car from drifting to the right or left and can enhance your vehicle's handling while eliminating abnormal vibrations on the road.

How often should I have my alignment checked?

It's generally advisable to have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked annually or during every other oil change. As a rough estimate, many tire experts suggest around 6,000 miles as a guideline. However, keep in mind that newer cars might require alignment checks less often, while older vehicles might need more frequent alignments. Therefore, consider the 6,000-mile figure as a general reference.

Your vehicle's suspension system ensures your tires maintain constant contact with the road surface, enhancing your ability to steer, brake, and accelerate smoothly. Positioned between your car's wheels and frame, the suspension, shocks, and struts absorb road bumps, optimizing the connection between your tires and wheels.

Your suspension system provides crucial safety, comfort, and performance benefits. When it’s time to repair your car or truck’s suspension system, Midas at 6016 North Illinois Street can help.

What are the signs you need to repair your car’s suspension?

A damaged suspension system shows visible signs if you know where to look. Although it's advisable to have your car examined by a repair technician, you can potentially identify suspension issues if you observe the following signs:

• Uneven tire wear
• Front end dipping forward when braking
• Shaking while driving
• Swaying or leaning when turning
• Stiff steering wheel
• Increased stop time

What do shocks and struts do?

Shocks and struts play a crucial role in maintaining traction by preventing the car from bouncing or the tires from losing contact with the road when encountering bumps or applying brakes. These components are integral to the suspension system and control the vehicle's motion and ensure balanced weight distribution, especially during sharp turns, providing enhanced stability and a more comfortable ride.

How often should I have shocks or struts checked?

Even on smoothly paved roads, shock or struts can experience 1,500 to 1,900 movements per mile. Since handling abilities diminish gradually, drivers might not immediately notice the loss of ride control. It's wise to have your suspension inspected periodically, especially when getting new tires.