Does anyone have any idea how much an alignment costs. And also, If i buy new rims and tires sometime soon after i put them on will i need to get it realigned.. How do they align it..and what does it do

 

Alignment costs between $40 and $70 dependant on where you go. It's about 60 for a 4 wheel alignment at the shop I work at. (Merchant's Inc.... It's a small east coast chain of tire stores... We check the alignment for free when you buy tires.)

A modern alignment involves mounting electronic sensors to your rims. These sensors use infrared laser beams to make sure all the wheels are straight and parallel... Older alignments used little scopes that you looked through, but the concept is the same.. Total process takes about an hour with no complications...

You do not need to get it realigned when you change rims. In fact, I reccomend using your stock rims for the alignment, then putting on your aftermarket rims.

 

Take it to any Goodyear Gemini station. They can laser align it -- even lowered cars. It's $60 for the basic alignment (no camber adjustment). I'm in Houston too and just got mine aligned yesterday morning.

 

I just got lifetime alignment from Firestone for $140. Which means everytime I put new wheels, suspension, or lower the car I can just take the car to Firestone and get an alignment for life. I believe this carries over to other cars too, but I am not sure. Doesn't matter I don't plan on giving up my civic for another 10 years anyway.

If you are into autox'ing or road racing, this would be a good investment. I believe other places have this too, so you could probably check into them as well.


[Modified by maxim, 10:53 AM 11/5/2002]

 

Do the alignment really has nothing to do with teh tires...just the car....so as long as my car is aligned then i can put on new wheels no problem its aligned

 

btw for that lifetime alignment.......say i just dont think the car is acting right and want it re aligned...can i go and get it realigned for no cost?

 

Do they charge for camber adjustment or is that included?