Where do you all get wheel alignments performed?

[hhkb]

I have a beater that gets alignments performed at Firestone through the lifetime alignments program. Paid $160 and have had like 15 alignments performed throughout its lifetime.

I'm a bit worried taking a new Civic Type R to Firestone -- should I take it to a performance shop instead?

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[Chilly613]

I have a beater that gets alignments performed at Firestone through the lifetime alignments program. Paid $160 and have had like 15 alignments performed throughout its lifetime.

I'm a bit worried taking a new Civic Type R to Firestone -- should I take it to a performance shop instead?

Im sure there are other places that will charge less. At my local shop I only pay $80 for alignments or they're discounted with any suspension modifications I have them install.

 

[Clark_Kent]

Yes, I recommend taking it to a reputable performance shop even if it costs considerably more than Firestone or Pep Boys. You can't guarantee there will be no foolishness, but the likelihood is lower at a reputable performance shop.

I took my Evo X to Firestone many years ago for an alignment after I had coilovers installed and it did not go well, at all. Long story short: employee got fired, my alignment was free, and they offered me free alignments for life. YMMV.

 

[BoostBlueFL5Rawr]

Yes, I recommend taking it to a reputable performance shop even if it costs considerably more than Firestone or Pep Boys. You can't guarantee there will be no foolishness, but the likelihood is lower at a reputable performance shop.

I took my Evo X to Firestone many years ago for an alignment after I had coilovers installed and it did not go well, at all. Long story short: employee got fired, my alignment was free, and they offered me free alignments for life. YMMV.

I agree, performance shops usually will take better care, more attention to detail than your local firestone or les schwabs.

Last time I took my EVO to les schwab it was right before a autox, I had installed coilovers the night before and had them put on my new wheels/tires and had them do an alignment. 5 miles down the road I heard some clunking. They forgot to torque my lug nuts down... Minor details. Since then I've only ever taken it to a performance shop and had no issues since.

 

[Bbfl5]

Find a reputable shop who is known for doing what you like doing with your car. The less hands on it the better.

 

[Chilly613]

I have a beater that gets alignments performed at Firestone through the lifetime alignments program. Paid $160 and have had like 15 alignments performed throughout its lifetime.

I'm a bit worried taking a new Civic Type R to Firestone -- should I take it to a performance shop instead?

Where are you located? Maybe people can give you some recommendations if they are local to you.

 

[RacingIsLife]

Find a reputable performance shop, like everyone has been saying.

I'm delving into the world of self alignment this year. Got some Vevor alignment plates to do the front and rear alignments, toe and camber. We'll see how it goes LOL

 

[BoostBlueFL5Rawr]

Oh and I remember you saying you were in the Portland area, the only shop i know with an alignment rack is PRE btw just for reference. I could totally be wrong tho @hhkb

 

[hhkb]

Oh and I remember you saying you were in the Portland area, the only shop i know with an alignment rack is PRE btw just for reference. I could totally be wrong tho @hhkb

Ooo yeah! I gave them a call today. They do do alignments!

 

[scuderia_miso]

I do mine at my house.

Definitely going to echo what other's have said as it's always been hit or miss going to firestone for me. Sometimes they'll do custom specs if you talk to them in the garage, other times I had to argue with the manager and tell him that -2 degrees of camber wasn't going to wear out my tires.

After that experience I went to a couple performance shops, realized how expensive it is and for how frequently I mess with my cars it just made sense to get the tools and figure it out myself. Been DIY'ing for the last few years with good results.

 

[Cornercarver]

I actually have a Big O Tire near me that has done consistently good work at a reasonable charge.
Used them for many years, so there is a strong relationship there. They have the alignment machine, and know how to use it. I get a printout showing the before and after settings. Very professional.

 

[FL5golfer]

Rob at Chewerks in La Habra, CA

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