Total noob question, but how do you know when you need an alignment? Pretty much only if you lower or your car isn't driving straight, right? Cause after my wreck in November I got an alignment and the car drives straight as an arrow. And I'm at the stock height, if not higher . But when I get my new tires put on, I wanna make sure I shouldn't just get an alignment while I'm there too. They're like $60 though, so I don't wanna get one unless I need it. Thanx for the help.

 

usually u get an alignment if your tires are wearing unevenly or if it doesnt track straight.

 

either that or if you're getting all 4 tires replaced...an alignement wouldn't hurt...well, at least it won't hurt else where but your pocket

 

technically, your supposed to get an alignment everytime your wheels are removed. but i dont know anyone who is brutal enough to jar the settings removing/replacnig wheels.

 

If you drive the roads of california you have hit so many damn potholes that your alignment would be off. better safe then sorry spend the extra bucks and save those new tires .

 

I think that's what I'm going to do.

 

do it when the steel belt shows!!!

 

I believe the factory recommends alignments every 12 months. You can get away with up to 2 years. I used to do it every year and the report sheet showed that it was off very little and still very well within specs. So I decided to do it at 2 years. It doesn't matter if you feel it or not. Sometimes it could be off and you wouldn't even know. Definitely get it done when you change rims. It's better safe than sorry.

 

i try to do it every 15k now. so its an annual thing for me.

 

yeah annually or when the car starts to drift instead of going totally straight