How Long Does It Take to Align a Car After a Collision

After an accident, your car might not feel quite right—even if it looks fine. One of the most common issues is misalignment, and you may be wondering how long does it take to align a car. The answer depends on the condition of the frame and suspension, especially if the structure was affected.

At Best Collision Services Inc., we take alignment seriously because it plays a crucial role in your car’s safety, handling, and long-term reliability. This blog breaks down the factors that affect alignment time and explains why frame straightening matters after crashes.

Why Car Alignment Is Needed After a Collision

Even a low-speed collision can knock your wheels and suspension out of alignment. When that happens, your vehicle may pull to one side, feel unstable, or wear out tires unevenly.

Frame and Alignment Go Hand in Hand

Proper alignment depends on a straight frame. If the frame is bent, aligning the wheels won’t solve the root issue. That’s why we always check for structural damage before making adjustments.

H3: Better Handling and Safety

Misalignment affects more than steering—it puts stress on your suspension and brakes. Fixing it early helps you avoid future breakdowns and keeps your car predictable on the road.

Long-Term Vehicle Health

Tire wear, vibrations, and fuel efficiency all suffer when a car is out of alignment. Addressing it quickly helps extend the life of multiple systems in your vehicle. Learn more about frame straightening after an accident.

How Long Does It Take to Align a Car?

The actual time needed for a wheel alignment depends on a few things. In general, a standard alignment takes around an hour, but structural damage can extend the process.

Factors That Affect Alignment Time:

Extent of collision damage

Whether the frame is bent or intact

Vehicle make and model

Type of alignment required (two-wheel or four-wheel)

If the frame needs straightening first, that adds time—but it ensures the alignment will be accurate and last.

What We Check Before and After Alignment

Before we align your car, we inspect the suspension, frame, and wheel positioning. We use digital tools to get precise measurements, and we don’t move forward until your vehicle is structurally sound.

Our Alignment Process Includes:

Verifying frame integrity

Measuring camber, caster, and toe angles

Adjusting suspension components

Performing a final road test for accuracy

The goal is to bring your vehicle back to its pre-accident handling and stability, not just get the wheels pointed straight.

FAQs About Car Alignment After a Crash

H3: How long does it take to align a car after an accident?

Most alignments take about an hour, but if there’s frame damage or suspension issues, it can take longer. A full evaluation helps determine the exact timeline.

H3: Do I need an alignment even if the car drives fine?

Yes. Many alignment issues aren’t immediately noticeable. It’s smart to get checked any time your car is in a collision—even a minor one.

Can a bent frame prevent proper alignment?

Yes. If the frame isn’t straightened first, the alignment may be temporary or incomplete. We recommend a structural inspection before any adjustment.

Schedule Your Post-Collision Alignment Today

If you’re unsure how long it takes to align a car or whether your frame needs straightening, don’t guess—get a professional opinion. At Best Collision Services Inc., we handle both the structure and alignment of vehicles to ensure lasting results.

Your safety and your car’s performance depend on getting this step right. Book your alignment and inspection now, and let our expert team help get your vehicle back in shape.