Firestone lifetime alignment

I did the lifetime alignment only wife's previous car ('12 Honda Pilot) when we put new tires on it. I found a coupon and paid closer to $175. Used it two more times before we sold the car. Once after new tires (again) and once after I hit a curb going around a turn. I was happy with the service I got.

 

I called this morning got appointment for tomorrow to get a free alignment check. Even it’s hit or miss with Firestone, as long as I can get two alignment out of it. It may worth it.

 

They have to learn it somehow, FS at least give him a chance.

 

From personal and friend's experience, make sure you have at least some paperwork. Because if management changes in the store, you could get your deal revoked at the manager's discretion. That almost happened to my friend, until he mentioned bringing a lawyer into this. He was able to get 1/2 his money back.

 

I think I said I felt sorry for the kid. He obviously wasn't properly trained and/or supervised. His immediate report SHOULD have test-driven the truck before it was called "ready" for customer pickup.

 

No, not when youre dealing with safety issues. He didn't install a muffler bearing it was suspension stuff

 

I doubt they will put a wrench on anything, just a check to measure and see where it's at. If it's out and you want it adjusted, they may want $ depending on what kind of agreement you come to.

 

I already plan to get lifetime alignment, if the alignment is ok, then I can save some money.

 

The original factory alignment can last the life of ownership. My last T4R was traded after 13 yrs and almost 200k, still running like new and no abnormal tire wear issues.
Alignment maybe needed upon certain front end parts replacement, off road damage (bent parts), or suspension height modification.
Pretty sure under those circumstances there’s a fine print somewhere that they can pull up, if they so chose to let them off the hook and charge

 

I think its depends on vehicles, my car has 100k, already have 3 alignment done. I haven’t drive the car for while since I got truck, but my tire uneven wear is bad.

 

Proper tire pressure, balance and rotation as outlined on the manual will provide the longest tire life. As far as wheel alignment goes, your toe/thrush angle has the most influence on tire wear. Is your steering spoke straight when traveling down a straight road?

 

I wish they give me the print out like your print out.
It’s little bit out alignment, so I did lifetime alignment for 180. Manager did give me small discounts.

 

Your print out is easier to read than the screen prints. It isn't color but for someone that is just looking at number, it makes more sense. What is with the second printout? Toe looks crazy. The first one looks like they gave you a toe set. Not exactly $180 worth of labor on that.

 

People keep saying after a lift needs a alignment. So I don’t know how much out alignment. Either I spend $100for a alignment or 180 for a lifetime. So I can go back after 8month when I install the 5100 rear shocks, so I can get my money worth.

 

Problem is that isn't how it works. Shops are not in business so you can get over on them. Alignment isn't something they can really warranty. It is either done right or it isn't. Telling you that you can come back for free adjustments doesn't benefit you or the shop. Techs are paid for the work they do. They are not hourly employees. They are not paid the same for warranty work as they are when it is a paying customer. Consequently you don't always get quality work. I would avoid a lifetime warranty at all costs. I'm sure if you read the fine print that like @GrundleJuice stated, if you do your own work, the warranty is voided. Read the fine print. They will do anything they can to get out of aligning your truck after they have your money.

 

I don't believe you can generalize Sungod. The lifetime alignment is a common marketing practice, and much like Discount Tire's free rotation and balance, it doesn't necessarily mean they are going to do a crap job just because it is a contract customer. In fact, in my experience, it has been the exact opposite, they want you to be a happy customer to keep you coming back to their store to sell you other tires/services. It really depends on the tech's skill more than the location. I bring my truck in every 5000 miles to the shop I deal with at the minimum, more if I do something to knock the alignment out. The tech knows my truck well and has worked with me through a number of suspension changes. I am dialed in well now and usually there is only minor adjustments required, if any. I do, btw do all of my own suspension mods myself, it has never been an issue with the FS shop I deal with either.

I believe, as others have said, that it is important to do your research, visit the shop beforehand, tell them about your needs and the equipment you are running, or planning on running, and ask what their experience and limitations are. If you are clear about what your expectations are, and the shop manager is also clear of what the service includes, and any limitations, there should be no problem that can't be dealt with equitably. With the FS dealer that I deal with, the manager is an off road enthusiast himself, and we hit it off immediately. When I go in, I usually bring my truck in early in the morning and have a cup of coffee and catch up on things. Much like the excellent Toyota Service Center I deal with, developing a relationship with the staff, being open about what you needs and expectations are, and being realistic and reasonable with these goes a long way to having a successful relationship and a vehicle that works the way you expect it to after service.

 

I got the lifetime alignment when I installed an Eibach coilover setup last fall. They did a good job and when I asked the guy about restrictions in terms of when I could come back, he said "don't come back in a couple of hours to ask for us to do it again, but outside of that, come back whenever you need to... next week, next month, whenever."

This is consistent with another guy (also 3rd Gen owner) in my neighborhood's experience with the same Firestone. It definitely seems to vary by location.

 

I just had my 285s put on and Firestone told me the same thing. Come back whenever I want or need to. They did a great job.

 

I called a few Firestones around my area and was told that they can't do a wheel alignment on 2021 Tacoma's cause they have lane departure software. I got confused about that comment, as it seems that everyone here is getting their trucks aligned with no problems.

I asked if all Firestone locations were the same and was told that most have old systems that can't align wheels with lane departure and will have to take it to the dealership. Something about autocorrecting, etc..

Do you all just turn off the lane departure off during wheel alignment?

 

Which store makes a huge difference. Some alignment techs really want to learn and do a good job, while others just wrench around until the numbers are somewhat in the green.

Firestone revoked my lifetime warranty on my Miata so I’m a little salty. If you modify the suspension at all or lift the truck, I’d recommend going to a race shop that specializes in alignments.