When to do 1st. wheel alignment?

[bmninada]

Just wondering when if anyone has done their 1st. wheel alignment for CX5 AWD? Also, are complaints regarding alignment covered while in warranty?

I know one should find the vehicle going left or right and then do alignment, etc. However it might be good to know the general trend.

 

[paris1]

If you're not experiencing any symptoms of misalignment, there's no reason to have it checked (which you would be charged for in the absence of symptoms). On the other hand, Mazda will give you one free alignment during the first 12 months or 12k miles IF you are experiencing alignment-related issues.

 

[mazdadude]

Unless warranty work has been done to change the Alignment, the warranty for the realignment complaints are typically to be covered within the first 12mo,12k miles.

You would know about a fault in the alignment with your steering / car pulling to one direction, or upon rotating and inspecting your tires closely for abnormal wear.

 

[erhayes]

+1 paris1.

 

[bmninada]

Well, the truth is - when I drive I think all's good but when my wife drives she is complaining of a pull towards right. My car's still within 12 months, so I guess I'll have it checked. Also my tire rotation, etc. is coming up soon which I do at Costco and I'll have them verify. Thanks.

The fact is : I do understand the reasoning behind wheel alignment - when ought to be done. My question was: how many months passed before the 1st. alignment was done for the CX5?

 

[paris1]

My question was: how many months passed before the 1st. alignment was done for the CX5?

The answer is: there is no wheel alignment service interval for CX-5, or any other vehicle for that matter. You have it done when there's a verifiable need for it or, to be safe, when you install new rubber.

 

[mazdadude]

The other things to think about are:

When is it noticed?

The car can pull due to the crown in the road... Does it pull when driving straight in a flat parking lot?

Tire pressure difference or a low tire can cause a pull also...

 

[tibimakai]

I do alignment, if I hit hard something hard, did some suspension work, that can change the alignment, or if I see some weird wear(more wear on the inside, or outside of the tires). Course, if it pulls to one side.
I'm not convinced, that I need new alignment when changing tires, if previously everything was fine, but I guess it can't heart.

 

[minnesotaart]

I'm at 37 months and 40k miles - absolutely no need for an alignment yet, tracks straight as an arrow.

 

[robertmazda]

I'm at 68K and have never had a need for an alignment. Perfectly straight on level ground.

 

[bmninada]

That's what I wanted to know - excellent. I like to plan ahead for these things. 1 car I owned was a regular alignment nightmare every 6 to 9 months. Korean. SUV. Took to 2 mechanics, changed tires, checked suspension then found out from Net, its normal!!

 

[madar]

That's what I wanted to know - excellent. I like to plan ahead for these things. 1 car I owned was a regular alignment nightmare every 6 to 9 months. Korean. SUV. Took to 2 mechanics, changed tires, checked suspension then found out from Net, its normal!!

I had the exact same problem with my "Korean" car. Everything wrong with it was deemed "normal" by the manufacturer. Traded that in for my Mazda.