Best local places to do alignment

[bigi]

I need to find a very good place to check/perform alignment.

What to look for? I've gone to busy tire place and alignment is still off, but within specs they say...

 

[amdhunter]

Not really going to help you - but I had an alignment done at a local place (Geico shop) after smashing a pothole and completely wrecking my alignment. My car literally jumped a foot off the ground and landed hard. Tires and rim were perfectly intact. No damage whatsoever.

Ever since I did the alignment -my goodness, my car feels awesome. It's inexplicable. I guess after 5 years of driving it must have misaligned or something. I've since put on 4 brand new tires and had each wheel high-speed balanced. I don't think my car would have felt better if it was brand new...lol

Anyway - alignments are great to do once in a blue moon. lol

 

[kitatech]

Some dealers like the Toyoshop that changes MY oil does an alignment inspection for free at that time...

 

[Jimzz]

Have to look around. Its part good equipment and part good tech.

I found 1 guy that does decent work and has newer equipment; but had to go to 3 places before I found this one.

I would say to stay away from the national chains and find a good independent shop.

 

[JCH13]

Another vote for independent shop, specifically one with a modern laser alignment system that will let you sit in your car while they do alignment.

 

[Jimzz]

Another vote for independent shop, specifically one with a modern laser alignment system that will let you sit in your car while they do alignment.

This is a must do if you are heavy set, not an insult its just how it works. Or at least put a lot of weight in the drivers area before you drop the car off.

 

[bigi]

Some dealers like the Toyoshop that changes MY oil does an alignment inspection for free at that time...

I said good place. Dealerships? LOL.

 

[bigi]

This is a must do if you are heavy set, not an insult its just how it works. Or at least put a lot of weight in the drivers area before you drop the car off.

That's what I am talking about.... It is just hard to find a place like that.

I need to sit in the car and let them do it. Also, the latest laser equipment helps for sure.

How to find such a shop?

 

[JCH13]

This is a must do if you are heavy set, not an insult its just how it works. Or at least put a lot of weight in the drivers area before you drop the car off.

Heck, I weigh 155lbs and the camber on my Miata changed around 0.5deg on the driver side when I stepped in/out.

That's what I am talking about.... It is just hard to find a place like that.

I need to sit in the car and let them do it. Also, the latest laser equipment helps for sure.

How to find such a shop?

Go in, ask, if they won't let you sit in it or they don't have the right equipment ask them who might. They shop I found was just "Forward's Garage" not "Ricetastic Import Racing and Tuning Inc."

 

[RKS]

I've had mixed experiences with chains and independents. I have coilovers and change wheels/tires for winter. I took it to a independent shop with a great rep and wasted $200 and 4 hours.
I then bought a lifetime alignment from Tires Plus and it was great until the alignment guy left. I was told that they could no longer do an alignment on a lowered car. I asked then to refund my money and they miraculously were able do the work. I just make sure I get a before and after readout.

 

[KDKPSJ]

I've also had mixed experiences with chains and independents. Overall, all chains in my area have been providing a good alignment job, while independents shops (all great reps) were huge hit or miss.

 

[silicon]

I need to find a very good place to check/perform alignment.

What to look for? I've gone to busy tire place and alignment is still off, but within specs they say...

Best way to find a good shop is to talk to the other customers...usually a good shop that gives god service will be echoed by satisfied customers. Also look at the cleanliness of the shop, if the equipment looks to be in good shape and if the service manager is williong to answer any and all questions about the service. One thing though..shops consider the alignment rack as one of the bread and butter spots in the garage...good profit for them if they can turn over a lot of cars in a day. The alignment mechanic needs to know how to use the equipment and if a problem is encountered be prepared to give a diagnosis and a repair estimate. Often ball joints may seem worn and they are not, tie rods may need replacement. Again word of mouth is the best guarantee of a good repair, but not always. Sometimes its just the luck of the draw.