Wheel Alignment Question

Nothing Prius-specific but I've heard Hunter is the best machine, and probably the most common. Just make sure it's an actual lift and not one of those things they roll around to take measurements on the floor like some dealerships. Should include a test drive, again another thing I've seen dealerships neglect.

 

Are you seeing uneven tire wear or something indicating a need for an alignment (vibration, noise, etc)? How long have you had the current set of tires on your PIP?

I got the second set of tires from Sears and every time I took out 2010 to them for the "free" tire rotation, they claimed I needed a $150 alignment. I asked what data they had to support their claim, as I saw no uneven wear. No good answer was given. Do I started rotating the tires and monitoring tread wear myself rather than wait over an hour and deal with their claims to help the tech supplement his boat payments

That was at 55 k miles when I put on a set of Coopers and at 153 k miles now and have Bridgestone Turanza Serenities since 120 k miles. No signs of uneven tire wear in 100 k miles.

So if you are not seeing signs that you need an alignment, I would hold off.

 

If you're not noticing uneven wear, pulling or whatever, I would leave it be. I think the only thing easily adjustable is front toe. Rear camber will cause tread to wear faster on inside, to be expected.

4th Gen maybe has more rear adjustment?

 

I don't believe you can adjust the Prius rear suspension since it's on a solid axle... The front you can probably adjust the camber and toe, if there's no camber, Toyota has a camber kit. I remember newer cars, the dealership just adjust the toe and let it go, unless there's obvious wear and tear on the tires and pulling on the steering wheel would we do more adjustments.