So, I notice today that my left front is wearing the outer edge a little heavier than the rest, and I am about to embark on a trip to Key West. Alignment time!
So I go into a shop and ask for a price. They quote me $79, $109, or $159 depending on how long it is warranted - up to three years. I tell them I want the $79. They immediately go into a "up sale" pitch...
"Well you have a high dollar vehicle, don't you want the best?" I look at them funny.
"With the $159 service it is guaranteed for longer." I ask them, "are you going to tighten the bolts less for the $79 deal?"
They answer, "No, but if you hit a curb or..."
I put up my hand. "No, I just want the $79 service"
So, now I'm thinking to myself. The only two reason the vehicle should need an alignment more than once in a great number of years are:
- I hit something - my fault, and I don't intend to hit anything. I don't encounter pot holes big enough to do damage (except for the one that cracked a wheel 4 years ago) and if that were the case the state would more than likely take care of that.
- Something is wrong with the vehicle and the alignment won't hold. If that were the case I think I would have bigger problems than Alignment.
So, I wonder, how many people actually go for the longer guaranteed alignment? How often do you have yours aligned?