[schonda]

This post will reveal how much of a novice I am when it comes to cars.
I know that getting one's alignment done every now and then is needed, but why? Is the only way I know if that is needed is simply feeling the car pull to left or right if I let the wheel go while driving? How much should I expect to be charged for front wheel alignment being done?

I have my tires rotated regularly but rarely do I get my alignment done, mainly because I don't understand why it's needed. THank you in advance.



2003 Accord V4 EX

 

[sodaks2k]

The interweb is amazing!

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=why+get+an+alignment

 

[07AccordEx-L]

I get one every 5,000 miles along with tire rotations. Alignment is important. If your alignment is out of spec it will put extra wear on components such as steering and tires.

 

[mc1114]

Its good to have it checked once in a while as vehicles lose adjustment little by little with everyday driving and age. And especially if hitting potholes, curbs, etc. It can still be off without displaying any symptoms.

However, if the steering wheel is straight, the car does not drift, and the tires are wearing evenly, its probably not critically needed. Only way to know is to hook the car up to the alignment machine. If its never been done or hasnt been done in a long time, I'd check it.

Tires can cause a lot of problems. This would be the first thing to check if experiencing symptoms. From my experience, tires have been the culprit more often, when a car is experiencing a drift/pull

There are exceptions to this but not that common. I have a friend with an 05 V6 coupe thats been hit hard on the RF side. The alignment readings are way off, so its making the car drift. There is at least one suspension part thats bent, or shifted, due to the accident. I'm currently working on bring it back as close to spec as I can

You want to have all 4 wheels checked, not just the fronts. 'd say they cost about $100.

 

[2005 6mt]

Occasionally you can find chains that will sell you lifetime alignments. I found this at a local Firestone and they use the newest Hunter equipment and their techs aren't too inept.

The going rate in my area for one 4 wheel alignment is about 80-90$. The lifetime set me back 160$ and I could go in once a week if I felt like it, as long as I own the car. I do it every 3 months or 5000 miles generally.

 

[hillstones]

I get one every 5,000 miles along with tire rotations. Alignment is important. If your alignment is out of spec it will put extra wear on components such as steering and tires.

If you have a habit of striking curbs or hitting large pot holes, you don't need to align the wheels every 5,000 miles. You are just wasting your money.

 

[1-Old-Man]

I think its an awfully simple decision to make. If the tires show no unusual wear, the car holds a straight line, and if there is no pull what so ever to either side then there is no reason what so ever to have the thing aligned.

But of course suspension parts move and wear over time or manage to be broken when pot-holes or curbs are hit, but just think about what alignment does for you. If the parts are worn at all badly or if anything is broken but the car can still be put into alignment without parts replacement then what you are doing is disguising or masking a deeper problem. You're making the car more drivable without addressing the real problem which is worn or broken suspension parts. Just keep in mind that when the car left the factory, and all the parts were new, Honda aligned it exactly like it was suppose to be - if it is any different now than it was then its because parts have gone bad..

Just an opinion of course but I have to add this, If I had my car(s) re-aligned once every 5,000 miles at $80 to $100 a crack I'd be in the poorhouse and I would have put myself there for no good reason.

 

[poorboyaccord]

i have had my 08 coupe for 4 years and have never had an aligment, never had a problem uneven tire wear or the steering pull

 

[07AccordEx-L]

If you have a habit of striking curbs or hitting large pot holes, you don't need to align the wheels every 5,000 miles. You are just wasting your money.

I drive 70-100 miles a day and the roads aren't perfect so that's why I do so along with tire rotations every 5,000 miles. I have lifetime alignment so money isn't a problem :thmsup:

 

[2005 6mt]

I drive 70-100 miles a day and the roads aren't perfect so that's why I do so along with tire rotations every 5,000 miles. I have lifetime alignment so money isn't a problem

That's what I'm talkin about. Gotta love the lifetime

 

[hillstones]

I drive 70-100 miles a day and the roads aren't perfect so that's why I do so along with tire rotations every 5,000 miles. I have lifetime alignment so money isn't a problem :thmsup:

Since you have the lifetime free alignments, then align away!