Would you get an alignment/balance done even if you don’t experience any negative symptoms?

Do you go in for an alignment only when you notice something is off?

Or do you do it as a preventative maintenance type of thing on a time/mileage interval?

Been about 2.5 years since I’ve gone without an alignment and balanced one of my tacomas with All terrain tires and steering is still straight as an arrow and have not been experiencing any off balance tire symptoms.

Debating if it’s something I should spend about $200 on as a preventative maintenance thing or if it’s something I should do as I notice something is off.

 

Only when I put on new tires or if the current ones are wearing improperly. You can't fix it if it ain't broke.

 

I think at some point, depending upon how rough your roads are and how much off roading you do, it’s great to do with a new set of tires. A good shop will also inspect everything related and let you know what they find

 

If it aint broke, don’t fix it.

 

I have the Firestone lifetime alignment. I get my alignment checked and tires rotated every oil change.
Pittsburgh is a first rate city with 3rd world roads. Pittsburgh has cobblestone, brick and even a small portion of a road made wood.
Then add in potholes and there is no need to go off roading here just drive through our neighborhoods will test the best suspensions.

 

If you have no symptoms like pulling or uneven tire wear, it's silly to get it done. However, if I run a tire for 50K miles I will get one just to make sure. It takes me about two years to run 50K now so an alignment every two years is nothing.

 

I'm anal, so if I don't notice anything on tread ware I don't do anything. Been over 2 years for me. Thousands of miles, bunch off road etc. No issues.

 

Just did it a few weeks ago, second time for my 18. First time it was a mess, this time just a few tweaks. I bump things pretty regularly, so I expect it to likely have been tweaked regularly. Follow your instincts. Some shops will check it for free, work only if needed. I’ve been using my tire shop for over 20 years, so maybe my situation isn’t the norm.

 

Had mine done for the first time at about 10 years of age on the vehicle. Felt okay before but was getting all new tires. I don't recall if it was far off or not. I daily drive it and don't go offroading.

 

Not typically. If you want to justify doing so, get the Firestone lifetime alignment. Then you can bring it in whenever.
The only reason I'll go "preventative" is if I've been off-roading. A decent trip will definitely knock things out of alignment, even if it doesn't feel too bad.

 

Typical on-road driving without bashing tire stops or curbs or massive potholes or rough railroad crossings.......the alignment should only be needed when new tires or suspension work. Possibly every 5 years or so to compensate for steering component wear.

Best is to take clues from the truck. Odd tire wear on front tires, wandering or drifting steering.

It isn't a "preventative" maintenance task.

 

Question for you guys: My other trucks alignment is good to go. Steering is straight. Did a rotation the other day (rearward cross) and now steering is pulling to right. What the hell is up with that?

I know alignment is good but after the rotation it pulls. Is it just the old wear pattern affecting it? Maybe I just got to ride it out until it wears in for the new positions.

oh and the basic trouble shoot factors of tire pressure, etc is checked and good to go

 

Merely a guess, but with the basic checks did you get them balanced? One thing that might affect it as well

 

I get an alignment when something has been taken apart that can affect alignment, if I hit something hard that I think may have knocked it out, or if I notice something.

My Tacoma is 5 years old with 72k miles, and still has the stock alignment.

I get the tires balanced every 2 or 3 rotations, and when replaced. But Discount Tire does it for free, so the investment is time.

 

Unless I do something really cringe-worthy, I get an alignment every set of new tires. And almost always, it wasn't really needed.
BUT ... If I'm gonna drop a grand on a new set of shoes, an alignment is just cheap insurance.

 

Toyota offers one free wheel alignment if within 10k miles or 1 year which ever come first under their toyota care program for new trucks. I took advantage of it just for peace of mind if nothing else.

 

I'm on about an annual alignment need. Last one was because of uneven tire wear, so I asked the guy when he called to say it was ready "was anything out that caused the wear?" "Oh uhhhh yeah...so everything was out, but interesting because they were all out in different directions"....."Yeah that checks out, cool, thank you!"

....I am not gentle :|

 

I usually Re-balance the tires once in their life-time or if I am getting some vibrations. I usually do an alignment every 12-18 months or when the truck is tracking off. but I have lifetime alignment at firestone too

 

Which Firestone in Pittsburgh do you go to?

 

I did it when I got a lift.