[BigJake]

Went in for service the other day and noticed the stealer had a new device to check for alignments. As I waited, I watched them do it to 5 consecutive cars coming and in and they all ponied up $150 for an alignment.

Could it be every car needed an alignment? Possibly, but it could also be a way for them to take advantage of folks coming in for their factory service.

Just wanted to mention as a P.S.A.

[ba ba boosh]

Originally Posted by BigJake

Went in for service the other day and noticed the stealer had a new device to check for alignments. As I waited, I watched them do it to 5 consecutive cars coming and in and they all ponied up $150 for an alignment.

Could it be every car needed an alignment? Possibly, but it could also be a way for them to take advantage of folks coming in for their factory service.

Just wanted to mention as a P.S.A.

Alignment is usually done after new tires and/or new tires & wheels are installed on the vehicle. Other than that, there is no reason for it to be done. Perhaps automotive professionals can chime in, if in fact I am wrong.

[Tjalle]

There is no need for alignment other than observed uneven wear or accident.

This is a US-thing. In Europe it is unheard of to have alignment for new tires/rims.

34 years in the Automotive business.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Tjalle

There is no need for alignment other than observed uneven wear or accident.

This is a US-thing. In Europe it is unheard of to have alignment for new tires/rims.

34 years in the Automotive business.

Same viewpoint. UK based.

I don't get all this constant alignment checking either, the amount of cars that get messed up for no reason whatsoever. Steering wheels off-centre, etc., after some check and 'no cause' adjustment.

If a car is tracking straight, no oddities and tires are wearing even (or to BMW wear patterns), what's to adjust?

It's a different matter if there are signs and evidence of poor alignment.

[bailyhill]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Same viewpoint. UK based.

I don't get all this constant alignment checking either, the amount of cars that get messed up for no reason whatsoever. Steering wheels off-centre, etc., after some check and 'no cause' adjustment.

If a car is tracking straight, no oddities and tires are wearing even (or to BMW wear patterns), what's to adjust?

It's a different matter if there are signs and evidence of poor alignment.

Over in the US we have potholes and construction. So hitting a nasty one can knock the alignment out--so we are told. The other thing, when you get new tires, you don't want them to wear prematurely, so many folks get talked into it.

Its usually not really a large thing or you would know it in the steering wheel, but when its just out, and combined with low tire inflation, wear can occur. Also when its a rear tire, not so likely to notice it.

I do find it interesting that its not a UK thing! I have had new cars that were not in alignment--never a BMW that I remember.

Sin_Gas