I just placed my order for a new set of front tires. My question is this. I need to get alignment done on my car. Should I wait after I mount and install the new front tires before I do the alignment or does that matter at all? Thanks!

Mike

 

I just got new front tires and will be doing alignment either this week or next

 

Install the tires first, then have the alignment done.

 

I'm pretty sure that I have an alignment problem, but just wanted to make sure.

When I step on the gas the car veers to the left slightly-moderately and I have to correct it with the steering wheel. Is there anything that I should tell the service manager when I drop off the car?

And they are asking $90 for the job...is that within the normal range for the job?

 

Take it to a Honda dealer. Tell them just what you wrote above. $90 is fair for a 4 wheel alignment.

 

Before you take it anywhere, check your left rear tire pressure. The car changing direction when you step on the gas is a textbook symptom of a low rear tire. And $90 for an alignment seems a little steep to me, but not too bad if it's one of those "lifetime" alignments.

 

Do the alignment after the tires are installed, and make sure you check the pressure before you go to the alignment place. Try to sit in the car while they do the alignmet (get the balance and angles of the suspension correct). I just had one done on Saturday and paid $70.00.

 

Thanks guys for the response. I've called around and it's between $80-$95 for the alignment jobs. It might be the DC Metro area prices.

Yes, the rear tire pressure was low, so I inflated it back to regular pressure. But it is still veering to the left.

 

I take car to a local BMW dealer to get my alignments, the guy that work there tunes porches so he's really good. he puts my alignment at 2 degrees rear camber & 1 degree front camber, that way i dont get to much camber wear but still have it decent for hard driving !
bad part is that it cost me $125... but then again the waiting room you sit in leather chairs, watch a 32" TV, drinking free bottle water, you can also use their computer with high speed internet if you dont feel like watching TV