Firestone Lifetime Alignment
 

This seems like a good deal, especially for people like me that rack up a ton of miles in commute. Does anyone have good or bad to say about the lifetime alignment? It is $150 but there is a coupon for $15 off. I am getting new tires soon so I want to align it at the same time. Thinking of Firehawk GT's.

It may not be a bad idea just remember it doesn't usually cover parts...... And if they find parts keeping the alignment out of spec you have to have the parts installed or you lose your lifetime alignment..... Just something to think about.

Unless your tires are wearing funny, or it's pulling or something. I'd forget the alignment all together. 9 out of 10 times, it's not needed anyway.

My dad did the lifetime alignment. I stopped him from going back after I found out that they had sold him, on 3 different visits; struts, tie rods, idler arms, tires a water pump (this had a GM lifetime warranty) and other things that I can't remember. This occured during 16,000 miles over a 2 year period of time. All I can say is they did do the alignments for free but this vehicle only had 42K when he bought the alignment and 58K when I told him to never go back.

9 out of 10? Where do those numbers come from?

I purchased the same plan about 2 years ago. Worth it in my opinion.
I've used it on several occasions, mostly after pot hole hits. Only problem I've had trying to use it was when a corporate store tried to refuse the service because I purchased it at a franchise location. The funny thing about that is the most severe pot hole I ever hit is just outside their location.

Except that Firestone closed tons of it's locations here in the Northeast. What happens when they're not around anymore in your area when you need them?

I haven't had to get an alignment of my HHR after nearly four years and 55K mile. When I replaced the tires, the tire shop wanted me to have get an alignment to insure the tires will wear properly. I refused as too many of the tire places have limited experienced technicians doing the work and may screw up the alignment. As others have mentioned those shops seem to push struts, tie rods, all joints etc.

My other cars I take to an alignment specialist and for $75, they do a four wheel alignment.

Same here.. had a deal for 3 years anytime and used it once......my biggest problem is I move too much..........But with these cars really only having toe in/out to deal with, I don't see the need unless your putting in a camber/caster plate.

lifetime alignment
 

If you plan on keeping the car I would do it. I've never had any problems before when I purchased it.

The 8,000 vehicles I have to deal with everyday on maintenance issues. Usually the tech "recommends" the alignment, and most customers just say yes. Now if the customer brings it in complaining about something, then it probably does need it. Cause odds are, they hit something (pothole, curb, etc) and knocked the alignment off.

Or maybe it's just the vendors seeing the GOV tags and that WEX card and think it's a free lunch. Basic upselling.