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2015 Z51 with 16,000 miles. Never aligned. Doesn't seem to be any uneven tire wear at a casual glance. Much tread remaining but tires almost eight years old. I'm switching to the Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 ZP (same as base C8 OEM) at Costco.
I get both of my other cars aligned at Firestone (lifetime alignment package). Any reason not to use Firestone to align the C7? Any reason not to use Costco for the tires? Thanks.
Firestone will align it to "in the green" -- which is probably already is. I would never, ever bring any of my cars to a chain shop like that, not even the crapcans. Find a local race shop or indy shop instead.
Any reason not to use Costco for the tires? Thanks.
Do they have the tools to do the rear end alignment or are they going to just do the front? I believe not all GM dealerships have the tool to do the back so I would check carefully.
If Costco has the tire you want at the best price, why not?
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If Firestone has a competent tech and the right equipment, they could be a viable choice for the alignment. However, taking it to a dealer or to a good specialty tire shop would be your best bet.
If it drives fine and the tires wear well don't bother touching the alignment. All it can do is go downhill from where you are now. There is no requirement to get an alignment when installing new tires unless there is a wear issue or the car has a drivability issue.
i took mine to the dealership to align because they had the caster tool... it was so off. both front wheels were toe'd to the left, rear camber wasnt close to matching. I then took it to a goodyear shop where the owner has corvettes, he let his guy spend 2 hours making it right
I agree w/ Bill. The potential of the alignment coming out worse than it is now is too great to take it anywhere that is not really up on aligning Corvettes. Car drives straight w/ no wondering, steering wheel is centered, tire wear is normal, you don't need an alignment. The tire guy will say you need it to assure max wear from the new tires because it may be off and you don't realize it. For me, if all the above is good, then what I realize is that I do NOT need an alignment.
I agree w/ Bill. The potential of the alignment coming out worse than it is now is too great to take it anywhere that is not really up on aligning Corvettes. Car drives straight w/ no wondering, steering wheel is centered, tire wear is normal, you don't need an alignment. The tire guy will say you need it to assure max wear from the new tires because it may be off and you don't realize it. For me, if all the above is good, then what I realize is that I do NOT need an alignment.
Don't some say it wasn't the greatest alignment from the factory?
If it were my car, I would find the alignment I liked best for what I am using it for and then have it checked. If it is right, no adjustment is needed. If not, make your decision from there. Tire change time is as good a time as any.
Aklim said, 'Don't some say it wasn't the greatest alignment from the factory?'
Yes I agree. My concern is the quality that you can get when a guy at a tire store works on a Vette, especially a C7 w/ the rear caster being adjustable and needing a specialized tool to measure it. I do my own alignments and I can say that you have to be really dedicated to spend the extra time to get it right. The temptation is to say that isn't perfect but it's close enough. Then there is the usual alignment machine that prints specs out in green depending if they are within a large window. That window is way larger than I allow myself on my cars.
Aklim said, 'Don't some say it wasn't the greatest alignment from the factory?'
Yes I agree. My concern is the quality that you can get when a guy at a tire store works on a Vette, especially a C7 w/ the rear caster being adjustable and needing a specialized tool to measure it. I do my own alignments and I can say that you have to be really dedicated to spend the extra time to get it right. The temptation is to say that isn't perfect but it's close enough. Then there is the usual alignment machine that prints specs out in green depending if they are within a large window. That window is way larger than I allow myself on my cars.
Supervisor is responsible. That's you. Make sure they are doing it to YOUR satisfaction. I would.
BTW, every time I go to my Chevy dealer for service, I drive over the alignment check do-hickey. For some reason, it won't read my car or maybe any C7 for that matter. It works on other Chevys before and after me. Anybody know why it won't work on my car? Are these machines any use anyway? Thanks.
Wheel Alignment
