Time between alignments

[JonnyB]

Had some new Goodyear f1s put on all round the other day so thought it best to have the alignment check so they don't rub unevenly.

Took the car in this morning and it ended up costing £120 as they had to do quite a lot to bring all alignment within correct parameters. My question is how long do you normally go before you check the alignment or do you do it on an as and when basis (I.e. New tyres, new suspension bushes etc)?

 

[Lee Young]

Good question.

 

[Maniac]

I think it depends on mileage, the roads you use etc. Roads near me are poor and I end up doing a full alignment every 12-18 months.

 

[Lee Young]

Cheers for the info, at least it gives some indication for folk like me.

 

[JonnyB]

I think it depends on mileage, the roads you use etc. Roads near me are poor and I end up doing a full alignment every 12-18 months.

Yeah I was thinking doing so in another 12 months unless a pothole gets me first

 

[TheHoff]

Every year.

Wherever you go, watch them like a hawk. The vast majority will print the settings before tightening the bolts, which is bad practice as they will inevitably throw the alignment out in the process. You may think that they can't possibly move it that much, but I have seen nearly have a degree difference (toe as well!) when a 'technician' has undertaken this approach :thumbsdown:

 

[Dewi]

Alignment's not a time related thing. It's how the car is used, the kind of roads you use regularly & whether you or your missus clips the odd kerb now and then.

I think you can tell whilst you're driving if something is amiss with the alignment, that and keeping a close eye on tyres for tell tales signs of uneven wear - like the tread starting to "kick up" on one side. If the car runs straight and true, the steering wheel self centres to the middle ok, and the tyres look alright then the chances are it's fine. I've had several laser alignments done on various cars over the past few years but only ever felt any real difference after one, which I knew was out of kilter by how it drove. The others (done after suspension mods just to check all was well) felt fine and although I was fed some bullshit about this or that being out of alignment there was no perceivable difference afterwards in how those cars drove. 4 wheel alignment is big business these days and a perfect opportunity for the more unscrupulous operators to blind us with science, charge us a lot and do nothing for it.

The point above about tightening up everything after the readout is produced is very valid and something I took issue with at one place. The guy refused to do another readout after the tightening up was done. I never went back.

Just my untrusting and cynical toopenneth But as I've said here before, my old chap ran his own garage for years so I've been around the motor trade most of my life and seen what goes on first hand.....t'aint pretty