Wheel Alignment

[scrapple]

I just bought a used car, and had to go get a nail pulled out of a tire. In the process of looking at the tire, they said I need to get an alignment.
My question is whether they say that to everyone? What are the chances that a new car will need an alignment at only 30,000 miles?

I think I should go for a 2nd opinion. Where should I go for an independent analysis?
I'm thinking all the tire shops inside the bubble will say the same thing.

[champion6]

Which business is "they?"

[biker1]

Does your car pull to one side? Is there uneven tire wear? Some places will give you a readout on toe, camber, and caster so you can see if it is out of spec, for no charge. I have used Tire Kingdom on 441. Alignments are cheaper than new tires.

I just bought a used car, and had to go get a nail pulled out of a tire. In the process of looking at the tire, they said I need to get an alignment.
My question is whether they say that to everyone? What are the chances that a new car will need an alignment at only 30,000 miles?

I think I should go for a 2nd opinion. Where should I go for an independent analysis?
I'm thinking all the tire shops inside the bubble will say the same thing.

[bagboy]

I was advised by Michael at Michaels Automotive that Boulevard Tire Center is the go to place for alignment. I trust his judgement and will go there soon.
Boulevard Tire Center
418 Hwy 27/441
Lady Lake Fl
352-430-2380

[scrapple]

Which business is "they?"

They are the only game in town for tires

[scrapple]

Does your car pull to one-side? Is there uneven tire wear? Some places will give you a readout on toe, camber, and caster so you can see if it is out of spec, for no charge. I have used Tire Kingdom on 441. Alignments are cheaper than new tires.

I can't say much at the moment about wear, I've only had the car for a month, and drive the golf cart most of the time. I can look at the tires, but i'm not an expert.

[villagetinker]

Yes it is possible you could need an alignment, as for the second opinion, I would just call another shop and ask for the typical price for your make and model. If the price quoted from the original shop is in the same range then you should be OK, if it is way out of range, get the second opinion. Sumter Tire has very good reviews, and I have personal used Wildwood tire, and would recommend both.

[CWGUY]

Does your car pull to one-side? Is there uneven tire wear? Some places will give you a readout on toe, camber, and caster so you can see if it is out of spec, for no charge. I have used Tire Kingdom on 441. Alignments are cheaper than new tires.

:agree: Went there after buying two tires from "TIRERACK.COM" asked to have them mounted and balanced. Also asked for an alignment if needed. Breakfast at Micky D's next door then back to Tire Kingdom. All done.... mount and balance cost exactly what they said online. No alignment needed.... no charge for checking.

They do appointments.
They don't mind TIRE RACK.COM (Give them a chance to match price)
Tire Rack will deliver to them and they will call you when tires come in.:thumbup:

[autumnspring]

:agree: Went there after buying two tires from "TIRERACK.COM" asked to have them mounted and balanced. Also asked for an alignment if needed. Breakfast at Micky D's next door then back to Tire Kingdom. All done.... mount and balance cost exactly what they said online. No alignment needed.... no charge for checking.

They do appointments.
They don't mind TIRE RACK.COM (Give them a chance to match price)
Tire Rack will deliver to them and they will call you when tires come in.:thumbup:

RE: alignment
It can be turned into a major production. In days of old, you had a solid rear axial and the only alignment was the front end. Today, even if you have a rear wheel drive car it likely has two independent axials. You can need to have all four wheels aligned-READ THAT AS EXPENSIVE.

Some of the adjustments are not even designed to be adjusted any more ie camber. In most cases an alignment is just toe in.

You?we are not driving a race car. Close enough is fine.

The OP mentions it is a newly purchased used car. I would be concerned and have it checked to see if it has ever been in an accident.

[Wiotte]

Haven't needed an alignment since 1980. This is the first year I bought a new Japanese car and have never looked back, until now.


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[Wiotte]

RE: alignment

It can be turned into a major production. In days of old, you had a solid rear axial and the only alignment was the front end. Today, even if you have a rear wheel drive car it likely has two independent axials. You can need to have all four wheels aligned-READ THAT AS EXPENSIVE.



Some of the adjustments are not even designed to be adjusted any more ie camber. In most cases an alignment is just toe in.



You?we are not driving a race car. Close enough is fine.



The OP mentions it is a newly purchased used car. I would be concerned and have it checked to see if it has ever been in an accident.



CARFAX™ - Used Car Listings and Vehicle History Reports (https://www.carfax.com/?partner=GPC_V&click=sem&gclid=CPmwgN_3mtUCFRbZDQodf3AKPw&gclsrc=ds)


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[dewilson58]

Haven't needed an alignment since 1980. This is the first year I bought a new Japanese car and have never looked back, until now.


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It's always a good idea to look back, look right and look left.

[biker1]

Take it in and have them give you the numbers.

I can't say much at the moment about wear, I've only had the car for a month, and drive the golf cart most of the time. I can look at the tires, but i'm not an expert.

[BobnBev]

Depending on the make, I would take it to a dealer that sells that brand. I have an 11 year old Jeep, and Bill Bryan takes care of it. I trust them 100%. I was gonna get 4 new tires, and they told me to hold off cause I had a lot of treadwear left on them. If you get new tires, have the alignment and balance done at that time.:highfive:

[Topspinmo]

I think unless you hit curb or the car pulls and the tires are not new you can check the tread wear yourself ( UTube good training aid and information). IMO driving habit can give fault alignment problem. Aggressive driver around corners at low speed will wear tires on the front quicker. IMO tires last about 50k miles or about 5 to 6 years even if the tread looks good. IMO Dry rot is unforeseen road hazard. If you are cluelessness and don't really understand what's going on. Then, better to be safe than sorry.

Also I can't stress enough checking tire pressure once month, that will probably save the tires more than anything.

[Paper1]

Can't imagine a auto repair business recommending work you really don't need (sarcasm). It is always a judgement call, that is how they get away with it. Doesn't matter if it is new tires, alignment, changing transmission fluid, etc etc.

[biker1]

Don't forget headlight fluid.

Can't imagine a auto repair business recommending work you really don't need (sarcasm). It is always a judgement call, that is how they get away with it. Doesn't matter if it is new tires, alignment, changing transmission fluid, etc etc.

[scrapple]

Thanks everyone!