Firestone lifetime alignment VS more reputable shop one time alignment?

Posted by Jhannibul@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 50 comments

I am looking to get my wife's car aligned as we just got new tires a few months ago and the tire shop seemed to think it may be a little out of alignment. From driving I think I can tell it's a little off, but doesn't seem to be horrible. The vehicle is a 2016 highlander AWD. I am having a hard time deciding whether to take it to my local Commercial Tire ($120 for one alignment) OR take it to my local Firestone for a lifetime alignment ($209).

Firestone certainly doesn't have the best reputation and I am not confident that they will do a great alignment. However, we plan to keep the vehicle for quite a long time and my theory is that it shouldn't be that hard to align a stock SUV and as long as it's "in the green" we won't have to pay $120 every few years, just $209 once.

On the other hand, I am fairly confident Commercial Tire will get the vehicle aligned spot on, but we will have to pay $120 for one alignment, and who knows if something happens and we have to get the vehicle aligned in less than a year.

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Fearless_Eye_6204@reddit

Firestone scam! I'm absolutely infuriated by the service I received from this repair shop. Just two months ago, they charged me a whopping $2000 to replace all the brakes on my car, claiming it was absolutely necessary to avoid a serious safety risk. Initially, I went in for a simple $200 battery replacement, but they convinced me that without new brakes, my car would be dangerously unsafe. It turns out, after consulting a friend who works in another body shop, that these replacements were completely unnecessary. I feel utterly cheated. It's shocking to learn about the deceitful sales techniques used by this Firestone shop.
To add insult to injury, they performed a full inspection of my vehicle, which is only worth a few dollars, and still charged me $2000. Moreover, they failed to notice something as basic as a low coolant level. This negligence forced me to return for another full inspection, costing another $160. They then proclaimed everything was fine, only to turn around and claim I needed to spend another $2000 to truly fix the issues. If I didn't comply, I'd essentially be retrieving a car no different than when I initially brought it in, essentially throwing away $200 for nothing.
Adding to my previous experience, my car had AC issues due to its age, so I took it to the same shop for a diagnostic. Initially, I was charged $160 for this service. At first, they quoted around $300 for repairs, but this quickly jumped to $600. Just two hours later, they informed me it would cost an additional $1000 to fix only the heating system. They recommended replacing nearly everything, and by the time I went to collect my car, the bill had reached an astronomical $2000, with the AC still not fixed. They justified this by saying I had only requested the heating system be repaired due to the snowy weather. In just two hours, they managed to charge $2000 for replacing minor heater components. They then had the audacity to suggest I return in the summer and spend another $1000 to fix the cooling system, claiming it couldn't be addressed in the snow.
The entire experience reeks of greed and deception. It's appalling how this shop preys on customers, charging exorbitant fees for unnecessary work and failing to fix actual problems. People need to be warned about this place's unscrupulous practices.

NisSean420@reddit

Fuck Firestone. I used to get their lifetime alignment done on everyone of my vehicles. I purchased the car in 2014 and bought the lifetime alignment then. I usually get 2 done a year at the same location, never an issue. They claim that their records show i never bought one. They found records that I had multiple lifetime alignments but never that I purchased it. Their records went back to 2016, I argued that it was purchased in 2014. I don't have the receipt but I'm fighting this one, this is some bullshit

WorkSFWaltcooper@reddit

i mean you got your moneys worth if you did that many. at that point you should get another, its been 10 years

seancookie101@reddit

They definitely did get their money's worth but regardless that is still very messed up. He paid for a lifetime alignment package, not a 10 year alignment package.

cornpeeker@reddit

As long as whoever does your alignment gives you a printout of what changed (before and after adjustments) I’d say you’re good. I’ve heard great things about Firestone lifetime alignments but I never purchased it myself, even though I have gotten alignments from them.

Yes it is a chain but there are mechanics who care and those who don’t at every shop. You’ll be fine.

Rich-Entertainer-250@reddit

I have a lifetime alignment with Firestone.. I had to replace both lower control arms on my 2007 Chrysler 300c hemi, 283,000 miles.. i took it in after replacing both sides and Firestone did the realignment, gave me a print out showing how much it was off and told me to come back as many times as I needed to... this location is in Oxford Alabama.

BubblyAnalysis5197@reddit

my location is "always out of paper" and when confronted they will show you a pixelated image that is unreadable on a tiny phone about the size of hand. The steering did feel lighter so hmm..

DxRxExW@reddit

OK, if you/anyone you know had a Mercedes do not take it to a Firestone (or affiliate) for a complete alignment. They are 100% unable to do it correctly, as they do not possess the necessary equipment and actually use weights to simulate people going at speed, through curves/turns.

Don't buy the "lifetime alignment" because you're going to end up having to return a lot, and literally never have your car aligned.

Also, if you have a Mercedes that has staggered tires (different sizes for front and back) DO NOT allow them to rotate your tires left to right (as obviously the rear tires are too big for the front). The likelihood of the tech knowing how to reset the "Run Flat"/tire sensors via the on-board computer are slim and none.

You're just asking for issues and will end up at the dealership, anyway.

themoreyouknow

Also, Firestone/Bridgestone will not inform you before you purchase the alignment (or lifetime alignment) that they don't have the ability to correctly perform the service.

Local_Variety_9015@reddit

This is great info, but you really just convinced me to never buy a Mercedes ever in my life.

That's one of the dumbest things I've read in quite a while! Enjoy your poorly built Chevy/Ford/Chrysler-Dodge, or even worse an earth-raping tesla.

Shawazonfire@reddit

You sound like a typical arrogant Mercedes owner.

Furious_Soul@reddit

Exactly! If your car is having trouble with even basic services, I would think your car is the problem 😂 but no, most German car owners like to believe they are superior... Japanese cars beat most cars out of the water when all factors are considered

Tawnya_Lancaster@reddit

Usually, the bigger the man's ego, the smaller his package. Let him feel big for a while....lol. And yes, Hondas are the best! My 91 accord is driven daily and has been cross country twice with no major repairs needed. I paid $129 for my lifetime alignment warranty years ago and haven't had any issues. Definitely recommend the investment if you plan on keeping your vehicle.

What a harsh accusation. And in this current world of such turmoil. 🤣😅 It's a better car than poorly built American, plastic shit. Pleasant evening.

Limp_Experience7902@reddit

You can do a quick googlies to see how many plastic shits are up your ass mate

AccountantSecret4319@reddit

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/

Mercedes ranked second to last for reliability by Consumer Reports 2023 report.

It's not a 2023. 😂🤣 Who gives a shit, especially since it's no one else's car. 🤷 But way to stick it to me, in your mind.

abcpdo@reddit

evidently you give a shit

Archontes@reddit

Every one of your comments reads like an AI chatbot set to "annoying asshole".

pomchi4@reddit

He is bellicose. I imagine he is quite single - and staying that way.
BTW great comeback!

viperxx29@reddit

Congratulations! Literacy doesn’t seem to be your strong suit either 🤩 if you could read that it says gathered data points from 2000-2023. Let alone your backhanded comment of how “its no one else’s car“ yet you’ve tried to shit on everyone else’s… Maybe let that single braincell of yours heal a bit first before you attempt to use it lmaooo

Unique-Reference407@reddit

you really do drink the coolaid huh

Just water for me, but thanks. Also, it's Kool-Aid. #themoreyouknow

Toyota/Lexus for life. Peace of mind is true luxury.

Chihlidog@reddit

I worked at firestone for a while and plenty of other shops. Nothing wrong with getting an alignment at firestone and I think their lifetime is one of the best deals on the market.

roarbot3@reddit

Will they honor the free alignment after you change parts like tie rods? TD has a year warranty, but if you put new parts on they want to charge you again.

ChanceVarious179@reddit

How will they know? Just have your alignment checked after you replace the parts. You paid for it, use it.

IncidentFederal2768@reddit

I have had major work done on my 2000 Tundra, I’ve gotten alignments done after even a toyota frame replacement. Pepboys makes you show paperwork and Firestone checks it in their computer records 😁

ProofJump1412@reddit

TD also sells a 5 year for 200$

alexmg2420@reddit

Mine still honors it. That's one of the whole reasons I get lifetime alignment is so when I inevitably have to replace tie rods, I can get the vehicle re-aligned for free. I don't see why they wouldn't honor it, unless you bring it in for an alignment one week, then replace everything component-by-component and asking for a re-alignment every time day after day.

Some will. I did when I worked there. Can't promise for every location though.

sons_of_batman@reddit

It was always a good excuse to get a Mechanic's eyes on the vehicle and perform a simple inspection every time I got the alignment checked.

Nice_Interest4895@reddit

mitchrusschels@reddit

I was thinking about getting the Firestone Lifetime alignment, but I just checked and there's not one location in NYC!

MaxieBark168169@reddit

If you frequently drive in conditions that may require regular alignments (like rough roads), the lifetime option may be more beneficial.

davidg4781@reddit

I purchased it twice.

Both times my car didn't last until the subsequent alignment.

I will say a lot depends on the management at your local Firestone. I've gone to horrible ones and I've gone to great ones. I'm sure the same can be said for any chain place.

LowExtreme1471@reddit

Try having up to 3 to 4 alignments a year, so frustrating on potholes, and decent cracks on road.

CeMx8@reddit

Do you live on the east coast? Cause this sounds like my life 😂

MagicMic10@reddit

Does the Firestone lifetime warranty alignment apply to 2024 Tesla Model Y? If so, do they have the equipment to do it?

syntax_lev@reddit

Pretty late to this but wanted to give my input. Bought the lifetime and used it once with no issues. Went another time for an alignment and they absolutely destroyed my tires from the alignment. I’m not sure how they ruined the alignment at my local Firestone but it was so bad I could not drive my car as the toe was over 5 degrees off and would not drive straight, slips corners, and tires screeching at turns. Went to a mechanic thinking something was up with my suspension. It was the alignment. Was planning on getting new tires anyway or it’d be a different story. Obviously each one will be different but I’d 100% rather trust a local reputable mechanic and pay for an alignment than gamble with Firestone again.

Pretend-Ad8626@reddit

I checked today and in San Diego, their lifetime alignment is $269.00. (they have a $20 coupon)

AdeptnessActual7218@reddit

I have been going to firestone for a looooong time. I bought the lifetime alignment and it is totally worth it!! I dont go different auto places because it something goes wrong, it could only be 1 place. I found a Firestone location that I trusted and even had them replace the turbo in my Chevy Cruz. I get an alignment every other oil change. I buy my tires from them and get the road hazzard warranty, so i get balance and rotation free with the tire purchase. It is all worth it if you trust the store you go to. Same with any auto shop.

Level_Net_4566@reddit

I keep my cars a long time, over 20 years, and I've had Firestone lifetime alignment policy on several cars over decades. They do alignment just fine. It is all computerized now. A single 4-wheel alignment is normally over $100, so paying $200 for lifetime pays for itself after 2 visits. I typically do it once a year. Then it is essentially free after that. So, I have gotten dozens of "free" alignments. Firstone can be iffy in terms of recommending unnecessary maintenance (all kinds of fluid flushes, etc). Just say no or get a second opinion. My local store is hard to schedule an appt. They tend to keep the car most of the day. I was just looking for the LT align current cost to buy for my wife newer car when I found this discussion. I usually buy tires there so I can do a once a year all in one maintenance stop - discount oil change ($25), free tire rotate (tires purchased from FS), alignment (free after LT purchase) and brake check.

dmdport@reddit

No input on the matter since I am looking into the exact same thing. But there is a $20 off coupon on the website right now for the lifetime alignment bringing it down to $190.

MoonlightStarbright3@reddit

They seem to do that not matter what.

Jhannibul@reddit (OP)

Thank you everyone I appreciate the help! I’m going to make an appointment at firestone for the lifetime alignment.

DataClump@reddit

Firestone is great. The lifetime alignment is a no-brainer if you keep your cars. I've purchased it 3 times out of 4 cars I had.

joegekko@reddit

I have a 2004 model FWD minivan that I got Firestone lifetime alignment on over a decade ago. Totally worth it. A++, would purchase again for any heavy vehicle.

jrileyy229@reddit

I would think Firestones all have modern computer/laser alignment machines... Pretty hard to screw up. The monitor tells them what to turn/change

It's not like they're doing it the old school way that relies on someone who actually understands suspension

BusyBeinBorn@reddit

I’ve had very good luck with Firestone. I drive all over the eastern half of the country so I look for a place with plenty of locations and compared to Pep Boys, CarX and Sears (RIP) they’re great. I did have an defective brake pad one time that was rattling around in the caliper. I had the brakes done in Ohio and had it fixed in Massachusetts. I couldn’t even tell you how many alignment jobs or tires I’ve bought from them, but I’ve never had an issue. They have the best hours and the best app in the business. It keeps track of all your previous service and lets you find and schedule appointments.