[ifyc576]

First of all, thank you good forum members in advance for your patience while I rant.

In March of this year, I went to my Honda dealership for the power steering hose recall. The service advisor said I needed an alignment. I was feeling generous, so I agreed to the alignment.

Well, this month (September), my maintenance minder came on. I dutifully reported to the same Honda dealership. I was surprised when the service advisor said I needed an alignment.

I explained that my car received an alignment the last time I was at the dealership. I asked if there was a warranty or good will or at the very least if they would reduce the price. The answer was a "No".

It was $99 for an alignment back in March, and I just could not agree to pay another $99. So I declined the wheel alignment. I not going to pay Honda twice in a row for the same idiotic service! :thumbsdow

Is this common? How long does an alignment last? For my part, I treat my Accord, better than my (fill in the blank). She barely has over 61K on her.

Thanks for reading. :notworthy

 

[BLCKFLSH]

Unless you hit a curb or something, the alignment shouldn't be off, that is if they did the alignment right in March. They didn't mention anything about worn suspension components? Any drivability, or tire wear problems?

 

[Drew03Accord]

If you're traveling down the highway at around 60mph, let go of the steering wheel and see if the car stays in the lane. If so, you don't need one. Speak to a manager but as you figured out, they're probably crooks.

 

[redhat]

A lot of chain tire shops offer an alignment check for free. If you're concerned about it being correct without having to pay another $100, perhaps have one of those places check it out for you.

 

[jimijam]

Did you get the before and after alignment specs printed out with the first alignment? Did you compare those to the current alignment specs? Didn't get the alignment specs from the first alignment? Go back and get them.

 

[mc1114]

Not likely that it needs one if the tires are not showing premature/abnormal wear, the steering wheel is straight, and the car does not drift/pull. I'd want to know exactly why they recommended it both times

 

[namegoeshere]

I'd want to know exactly why they recommended it both times

Because $$$

 

[WDHewson]

Does the Service Manager work on commission? I see a lot of empty bays these days. They may recommend work that is not needed or at least optional to keep their personal and corporate revenue steams flowing.

Someone has to pay for the luxury waiting rooms with flat screen TVs, specialty coffee, cookies, snacks, newspapers , and magazine. I'm not much susceptible to this shallow customer flattery.

 

[t-rd]

And did they align anything last time? The only thing "align-able" on a stock Accord is the toe front and back, nothing else. Caster can't be adjusted up front, and camber can't be adjusted front and back.

My dealership throws in the alignment pitch every time, even noting the rear camber when my car was bone stock. You dumb idiots, camber isn't adjustable stock. Perhaps you need new tires, cabin air filter, intake air filter, and wiper inserts, too. All good and easy money to be made.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Firestone offers a lifetime one for like 150 as long as you own the vehicle. It pays for itself the 2nd time.

 

[CarlR33]

I know you say you take care of the car but an alignment could be bumped out with just hitting a pot hole in the right way. Most places that have done my alignment give you a printout sheet. Good info to have in a file should these issues come up later.

 

[SteelyJoe]

As a frame of reference, I just did my first alignment at 160k. I try not to hit things.

In general, when you get new tires is a good time to do one, to avoid wearing your nice new tires unevenly. As said, treadwear is a good indication of any major issues.

I bet this dealer is just trying to make money. A lot of people just say yes when they play these games, and they make money.

FYI an alignment at my local shop was $47. And it's dead straight and perfect.

 

[xxbadboys93]

If you're traveling down the highway at around 60mph, let go of the steering wheel and see if the car stays in the lane. If so, you don't need one. Speak to a manager but as you figured out, they're probably crooks.

thats weird, when i got my brand new tires a couple of months ago and got them balanced and i asked if needed an alignment, i was told it was still in factory specs. Car does drive more to the left when letting go of wheel on highway.

 

[ikethegreat]

I tell people to ALWAYS get a printout when they get an alignment. Otherwise, how will you ever know it was actually done? Even if you have no clue what the printout says, they don't know that.

As someone else said, those lifetime alignment plans are great if you plan on keeping the car. I get one every time I swap my winter/summer wheels.

 

[PurdueSilver]

Here is what I know from working at a dealership. Note not a Honda but I can imagine it is the same. First like everyone said, its easy money based on a suggestion. Also its based on mileage of the car. The system may not realize you had one prior. While it will be in the system it will not turn off that prompt for the service manager.

As for my alignments I had one done prior to my purchase of the car over two years ago. I since have purchased new tires. Driven over 60,000 miles. And it still dives straight. Personally you have have a nice flat open road to do the steering wheel test. A few interstates around me are crowned so it may pull slight one way or another. But on the flat spots it will go for miles in the same lane no adjustments.

 

[jimnfor]

First of all, thank you good forum members in advance for your patience while I rant.

In March of this year, I went to my Honda dealership for the power steering hose recall. The service advisor said I needed an alignment. I was feeling generous, so I agreed to the alignment.

Well, this month (September), my maintenance minder came on. I dutifully reported to the same Honda dealership. I was surprised when the service advisor said I needed an alignment.

I explained that my car received an alignment the last time I was at the dealership. I asked if there was a warranty or good will or at the very least if they would reduce the price. The answer was a "No".

It was $99 for an alignment back in March, and I just could not agree to pay another $99. So I declined the wheel alignment. I not going to pay Honda twice in a row for the same idiotic service! :thumbsdow

Is this common? How long does an alignment last? For my part, I treat my Accord, better than my (fill in the blank). She barely has over 61K on her.

Thanks for reading. :notworthy

Did nobody catch this ?!?! The maintenance minder has nothing to do with an alignment.
If your car is driving straight and no abnormal tire wear, address the light and go on about your business.

 

[Arkainzeye]

when i had my seat belt buckle replaced UNDER WARRANTY i had to prove the dealer via printout that this was something i didnt have to pay for.... i hate dealerships.... i really have a feeling this guy was and has been taken for a ride.... =(