Alignment as part of routine maintenance?

[brob]

Just dropped my 2024 MME Premium ER RWD off for the 10,000 mile service. Dealership wants to align the wheels. But this is not on the maintenance schedule, so I declined.
I figured this was the old revenue generating move by the dealer, but thought I would ask. Is there any recommended schedule for alignments if there are no known alignment problems?

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[RickMachE]

No. Unless you see uneven wear, it's likely not needed.

 

[Tampamike]

I’ve declined alignment before. This car seems to stay pretty true, IMHO. maybe I’m not driving it hard enough.

 

[Teslaeata]

Just dropped my 2024 MME Premium ER RWD off for the 10,000 mile service. Dealership wants to align the wheels. But this is not on the maintenance schedule, so I declined.
I figured this was the old revenue generating move by the dealer, but thought I would ask. Is there any recommended schedule for alignments if there are no known alignment problems?

It’s not part of the service schedule or the additional service requirements where brake fluid changes etc are found.

The theory is that wheel alignment shouldn’t alter much so wheel alignment checks are more precautionary, optional measures and adjustments are remedial action usually for misalignment caused by kerb strikes or even just daily driving if not to discover wear.

I carry out around 100 wheel alignment checks per year on accident damaged vehicles and find the alignment of wheels unaffected by the accident are out of true so those cars were being used before their accident with misaligned steering and/or suspension angles.

I’d recommend that once, or twice per year for high milers, you have your wheel alignment checked, and adjusted if required.

It will eliminate premature and uneven tyre wear so extending tyre life, will make the car dive better and assist the range.

Full 4-wheel alignment is the way to go, checking front tracking alone is a wast of time & money because you need to know where each of the 4 wheels are in relation to one another as well as their individual angles.

You should also go to a place which will provide computer generated reports displaying the readings taken before and after adjustments are made.

 

[IgorKl]

i opted for lifetime alignment what I bought new tires (wheel works), and right now I do some regular services for free there instead of dealership and regular alignments

 

[music_cities]

Everytime I do a seasonal tire swap the company where I store my tires (Kaltire) asks if they can do an alignment check and I have to pre-approve the alignment if it's out of spec. Every time, they say it's out of spec and do the realignment. And then I pay for it.

I don't know why I keep falling for this every time.

 

[dalola]

If you suspect an issue, you should be able to get one alignment under warranty. The alignment is performed in about a minute at the factory, and it may/may not be in spec range. It should be, but if it's close, it's torqued off & down the line. A quality alignment tech with modern equipment can dial everything in to center spec very easily. Always ask for before & after printout of the specs.

On your own dime, I would probably only pay for it if I suspected a problem, or when buying new tires.

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