When do I have to re-adjust my alignments?

cyc

Member
:
Protege5
Hi,

I'm pretty new to cars and the p5 is basically my first car. I was wondering when I have to go re-adjust my alignments? RIght now, it is a bit off, but it's still ok. Also, what will happen to my car if I dont' adjust the alignment when I'm supposed to?

Thanks
 
don't let your tires get ruined, look in your owners manual, usually it's every 15k miles or every 30k miles or something of that sort, so about once a year depending on how much you drive.
 
pulling to one side is the wrong way to tell also, since most roads have a crown so water can drain off the road and the car WILL pull to one side even if your wheels are perfectly aligned
 
theoretically, any time you take all four wheels off you should probably get an alignment check. this is all theory, though. (ie. after tire rotation).

lowering the car or replacing suspension of any type will dramatically effect the alignment, so if you plan that, schedule time on the alignment rack the day after to avoid major tire wear.
 
Have heard that this should be checked twice a year at least. If you dont adjust your handling will be off depending on how much out of whack you are.
 
As a general rule I get an alignment every time I change tires, or any time I do any significant suspension work. Other than that I would suggest once a year.
 
solomr2 said:
As a general rule I get an alignment every time I change tires, or any time I do any significant suspension work. Other than that I would suggest once a year.


i concur.
 
It's also wise to check alignment if you drop a wheel into a pothole or hit an obstruction.
 
once a year is good, and as has been said, check it if you whack something. You can actually check toe yourself pretty well with a measuring tape: get under there and measure the distance between the tires at the front and the back; the difference is the toe. Actually pretty accurate
 
down here in south florida at least every 6 months. WE got so many SPEED BUMPS!!! I HATE THEM!!! THEY"RE EVERYWHERE! Tire kingdom has a deal for like 120 free allignments for a year 160 free for 3 years and like 200 free for 5 years (estimating the cost)
 
once a year is about right for regular driving. if you notice unusual tire wear at any time you should get an alignment.

i'm not too familiar with the p5 suspension, but generally 1/16-1/8" total toe out in front improves turn in, ie handles the road better.
 

New Threads and Articles

Back