Where do you get your alignments done?

[jkm311]

I'm at 63k and on a newer set of tires. It's time...I'm considering a Toyota dealer (because, well... it is one) or supporting the friendly local mechanic we've taken my wife's car to for brakes. I know *everyone* does alignments, and for nearly the same price ($80-100 USD), but I wanted to know where you've had a good experience, maybe two? I will be looking to get all four wheels done, of course.Where did you go? What did you pay? And what should I look out for? Oh, and send any coupons my way.

[vibedrivermatt]

I go to an independent tire shop for alignments. They're local and have a really good reputation in our area. Plus I have to make an appointment for an alignment because they only have one guy who does them on fridays. think I paid $78 for my last alignment. They gave me a nice printout that displayed the before and after alignment settings. The papers had nice pictures with cars and tires to display the values and make them easy to understand.But since you live in Michigan you cant go there otherwise I'd tell ya the place! I think if you find a place like that near you your good to go.

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by vibedrivermatt »I go to an independent tire shop for alignments. They're local and have a really good reputation in our area. Plus I have to make an appointment for an alignment because they only have one guy who does them on fridays. think I paid $78 for my last alignment. They gave me a nice printout that displayed the before and after alignment settings. The papers had nice pictures with cars and tires to display the values and make them easy to understand.I go to an independent shop as well. They do brakes, tires, suspension, etc. Last time I had an alignment, which was a couple years ago on my Sunfire, it was $59.95. As Matt said, they too gave a printout with the before and after. The only issue I remember having was there were little marks on the wheels after they did the alignment. Whenever we get alignments for the Vibes I'll be putting the steelies on so the 18s don't get screwed up.

[KITT222]

I think mine was adjusted at a Tires Plus shop. We paid so we can get as many alignments as we want in a year.

[jkm311]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'm gonna go to the local guy, too. He replaced our Malibu Maxx's front discs and pads for $200 out-the-door, and was very friendly and honest. I like to give good people like him the business, especially in SE Michigan.

[coldfusion11]

I go to a place, and have been for years, called Wetmores. They are at 9 mile and woodward, just a hop around the corner for you. It is the shop with the car flying out of the roof.The owner is Chris and have trusted his advice for years. Tell him that Andrew Franklin sent you and he might spot you a tiny break. I get alignments for $40 and they work out great.Edit: i went to local belle tire for an alignment but a few moths later it still didn't feel right on my Crown Vic. I went up to him and he said that it wasn't aligned properly. So obviously they got it done right and all is well.

[jkm311]

You saved me from going to Fox Toyota. Just a hop around the corner from *you,* Andrew. I know exactly where Wetmore's is. Are they usually a busy place? I see they are open until 2 on Saturdays.And a strange question: If I brought them a new Gatorback belt, would they install it instead of selling me the parts they stock? I figure if they do the alignment, might as well get my belt done, too.

[coldfusion11]

Ha well I thought it was close to you in royal oak. I live in rochester hills. But anyways...If going on a Saturday, get there right away in the morning when they open. They get good business but give Chris a call at 248-544-2100 and tell him what services you need done and he will point you in the right direction my friend.

[jkm311]

Brilliant. Thank you, Andrew.

[coldfusion11]

You are welcome. I try to avoid chain franchise car repair places at all costs.

[Zimm]

another great shop in the royal oak area is northern auto on woodward between 11 mile and 696. very trustworthy. i've never used them for an alignment, but everything else they've ever done was quality work at reasonable prices. fwiw, they have an excellent reputation as a general purpose shop.

[yyamad1]

Ive taken my vibe to firestone, they offer a lifetime alignment for about 160 i think.. I dont remember the actual i paid, but it was about 2 x the one time price. Every changes Ive made to the suspension, ive taken it back and had a free alignment. such as Energy suspension bushings in the control arms, new struts, new tires and so on. What a deal I did have a problem with one shop (my alignment was worse when i came out) so i took it back to my original shop and they fixed her up. I think the quality of techs do vary from shop to shop. If you plan to keep your vibe for a long time, it is definitely worth it.

[jkm311]

'Til I drive her into the ground, yyamad1!And until that day, I want her to drive into the ground, as straight as an arrow.

[yyamad1]

LOL me too! btw, firestone does give you a print out of before and aft.

[coldfusion11]

Also, at wetmores, he wont give you a printout unless you specifically ask for it. Just as FYI.