Do you get it if you notice your vehicle is steering left/right? Do you get one every 1-2-3 years just to get it done?

Just curious.

 

In general, on your F150, I tend to have the alignment checked every tire replacement. That said, a good pothole can throw things off. If I was pulling one way or the other, and felt it was excessive, I'd have it checked. It's hard to find a flat road. I feel my newer F150 pulls a bit to the left, not terrible, but slightly to my dislike.

 

Hmm, do they still do that?
I've not had one done since 1985. But then I only get 40k to 60k miles on my tires.

 

I can't remember exactly when I got my last alignment, but when I just checked Quicken it was in 2005, when I got tie rods replaced. In 2007 they said I needed an alignment, which was a surprise to me. When I went to leave, I noticed the steering wheel wasn't straight. Went back, they redid the alignment and it was the exact opposite of what they had just done. Therefore, no alignment was needed and they refunded my money...

In 2018, our 2010 Fusion Hybrid had a major front end suspension noise. Turned out much of the suspension was shot due to "collision with road". Yes, that's an insurance company term for potholes. They paid for a full replacement, including alignment, and then we sold it.

I get my tires rotated every 7,500 miles. If I notice a wear problem, I'd look into an alignment, but I never have. The Fusion wasn't wearing tires, but one of the sockets just went.

 

I'm in this camp. I may have had one done on my 1999 F150. Definately not on my 2013 or 2019... Trucks track true. Tires wear uniform... I know I had one done on my 72 chevelle....

 

Just my thoughts....I would say @ least every 2 years...& a front end check every year will tell you if you have any wear??
But that also increases as the more miles on your trk increases & it would be wise to check every year for front end wear & alignment....
As for the newer trks with electric steering it is virtually impossible for it not to pull slightly one way or another on most roads !!

 

I only get an alignment if I am having issues that point to needing an alignment. This is typically ..... never.

 

IMO, when to check alignment:

After replacing all 4 tires (typically, this would be at a mileage point that would warrant a look, even if tire wear is even)
Anytime a suspension or steering component is replaced
If current tires are not wearing evenly (& have been rotated properly)
If abnormal handling is noticed
Any type of accident/collision

Also worth noting, you typically get one alignment check under warranty, if something seems off in first few thousand miles of ownership.

And make sure the shop that does your alignment has current certification/techs, with the newest equipment. Always get the before & after printout.

 

Never. Haven't had one done in over 20 years. All vehicles in the fleet track straight and have even tire wear, so why would I consider it?

 

Thanks. Getting an oil change and they said i should have it done every 10K miles, didn't seem like normal maintenance. I always had it done when i felt the vehicle veer left/right. Wasn't sure if people had it done when rotating tires or just in general.
I passed on it.