Wheel Alignment After Collision Repair in Carrollton, TX
Wheel Alignment After Collision Repair in Carrollton, TX
You’ve just had your vehicle repaired—maybe after a curb strike near Josey Lane or a fender bender off Belt Line Road in Carrollton. The body looks great, and the shop hands you the keys. But after a few drives, your steering feels off-center, or your tires start wearing unevenly. Chances are that your vehicle needs a post-collision wheel alignment—and it may have been overlooked.
At Silver Lining Collision, we stress the importance of proper alignment after nearly every impact-related repair. Here’s why it matters, how to tell if your alignment is off, and how we handle it for Carrollton drivers.
What Wheel Alignment Really Does
Wheel alignment ensures your tires are angled and positioned according to OEM specifications. That means the car:
- Drives straight
- Responds predictably to steering
- Maximizes fuel efficiency
- Wears tires evenly
Even a light bump can throw off this delicate balance—especially if the impact hit your wheels, control arms, or suspension.
Signs Your Vehicle’s Alignment Is Off
After a collision, keep an eye out for:
- Pulling to one side
- Crooked steering wheel when driving straight
- Uneven or premature tire wear
- Steering feels loose or twitchy
- Car drifts or requires correction to stay in lane
These symptoms can worsen over time and lead to more expensive suspension issues if left unchecked.
Why Alignment Gets Missed in Some Repairs
Not all shops in Carrollton include alignment checks as part of their process. Reasons include:
- Lack of on-site alignment equipment
- Relying solely on visual inspections
- Pressure to reduce cycle time from insurers
- Assuming it’s “not necessary” unless major parts were replaced
But at Silver Lining Collision, we never guess. If your vehicle took impact near the wheels—or if we replaced any steering, suspension, or frame components—we perform a digital alignment check and document the results.
How We Perform Alignments in Carrollton
Our process includes:
- Pre-alignment suspension checks to confirm parts aren’t bent or worn
- Computerized 4-wheel alignment using OEM tolerances
- Adjustment of camber, caster, and toe angles
- A post-alignment test drive to confirm proper handling
- Providing you with a before-and-after printout of alignment specs
This ensures the vehicle drives like new—not just looks like it.
Is Alignment Covered by Insurance?
Yes—if the misalignment is due to a collision, your insurer should cover both:
- The alignment itself
- Any associated suspension repairs or parts needed to bring it into spec
We’ll handle all communication with your adjuster and submit any supplements needed to ensure the job gets done right—not rushed.
When Should You Get an Alignment Checked?
We recommend an alignment check:
- After any collision involving a wheel, curb, or suspension
- When new tires are installed post-repair
- If the car feels or drives differently than before the accident
- When replacing control arms, knuckles, or steering components
Schedule Your Alignment Check in Carrollton
Don’t wait until your tires are worn or your steering feels unsafe. Call Silver Lining Collision at (214) 242-8727 to schedule your post-collision alignment check in Carrollton. We’ll make sure your car tracks straight, handles safely, and delivers the smooth ride you expect—because how your car drives matter just as much as how it looks.