Alignment at Toyota or Independent Tire Shop ???

dorf · 04-26-2008, 10:25 AM

What is everyones experience and or recommendations for alignment.

Purchase tires and align at Toyota or at Independent shop ???

I'm Just trying to minimize the hassel factor.

Sheepdog · 04-26-2008, 10:23 PM

I would lean towards a professional tire shop before the dealer unless it is a warranty item.

Look for a shop that uses Hunter equipment. The rear of the Pri needs shims to make adjustments I am told. It takes a seasoned pro to do the job right. Dealerships may or may not let inexperienced techs work on that.

jayman · 04-27-2008, 02:51 PM

Alignment can be more difficult on the Prius, especially if the rear beam axle is out of spec.

If you want to have some fun, ask the tire shop how they intend to do the Zero Point Calibration of the steering wheel. If you get the classic "deer in the headlights" look, that's normal

dorf · 04-28-2008, 07:16 AM

OK-Thanks for the advice. I was sort of leaning towards an independent shop.

04-26-2008, 10:25 AM	#1
dorf Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Little Rock Posts: 119 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Alignment at Toyota or Independent Tire Shop ??? What is everyones experience and or recommendations for alignment. Purchase tires and align at Toyota or at Independent shop ??? I'm Just trying to minimize the hassel factor.

04-26-2008, 10:23 PM	#2
Sheepdog C'Mere Sheepie! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sanford FLorida Posts: 1,050 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 6	Re: Alignment at Toyota or Independent Tire Shop ??? I would lean towards a professional tire shop before the dealer unless it is a warranty item. Look for a shop that uses Hunter equipment. The rear of the Pri needs shims to make adjustments I am told. It takes a seasoned pro to do the job right. Dealerships may or may not let inexperienced techs work on that.

04-27-2008, 02:51 PM	#3
jayman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Winnipeg Manitoba Posts: 11,576 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: B Thanks: 35 Thanked 188 Times in 171 Posts Friends: 12	Re: Alignment at Toyota or Independent Tire Shop ??? Alignment can be more difficult on the Prius, especially if the rear beam axle is out of spec. If you want to have some fun, ask the tire shop how they intend to do the Zero Point Calibration of the steering wheel. If you get the classic "deer in the headlights" look, that's normal

04-28-2008, 07:16 AM	#4
dorf Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Little Rock Posts: 119 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Alignment at Toyota or Independent Tire Shop ??? OK-Thanks for the advice. I was sort of leaning towards an independent shop. Last edited by dorf; 04-28-2008 at 07:18 AM.

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