When should first alignment be done

I am trying to figure out approximately when I should get the first alignment done on my truck. I only have 5,000 miles on it and haven’t done anything to the suspension or tires. Also, once I get the first alignment done, approximately how often (mileage intervals) should I get an alignment done based on normal everyday driving? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks

 

Once a year is probably all I’d do unless you hit a curb or something.

 

Yup. Index your FIRST alignment to when you hit your FIRST curb with a good hard whack.

With that kind of mileage I might be more inclined to have the wheel/tire balance checked before I get carried away with alignment. Unless you've got weird front tire wear showing and have eliminated the other variables (air pressure being the obvious).

 

I had some bad experiences with bad alignments in my youth. I never let anyone touch my alignment unless: (1) tires show wear pattern, (2) vehicle drives poorly, or (3) vehicle has been in an accident with moderate front-end damage.

 

I look at tire wear or if my vehicle doesn't track well to determine when I get an alignment. Of course, any suspension work that is performed or, like mentioned previously, you hit a curb I would as well.

 

Ok. Appreciate all the advice

 

I've never routinely aligned a vehicle. Like John I've had them return worse than when you took them in. If you need an alignment, get recommendations from friends that know something about cars. Many times if an older higher milage vehicle needs alignment there is a reason, loose or damaged components. I've seen unscrupulous shops go both ways. Some will take your money and "align" your failed components. Quick money. Others will load you up with front end components you don't need because, "It wouldn't be right to align it with those bad components."

A friend of mine recently had both happen to him. He took a 300K mile Durango into a shop and had "everything fixed on the front end." But they didn't do alignments. He went to another shop and had the alignmet done, for $70.00. He said it still drove like crap. A casual glance in the wheel well revealed "everything fixed" apparently didn't mean upper control arm bushings. Two were metal to metal. Same with the lowers. Watch your tire wear diligently, if you feel you need front end work, get recommendations from people you trust.

 

I've only ever aligned vehicles after suspension work, vehicle pulling to left/right or poor tire wear. Which happened a lot with my other cars with coilover height settings and different suspension components.

With my new Tundra I just installed the lift/level kit and went to Firestone to get it aligned. It was way off. I opted for the Lifetime alignment deal for $180 since I plan on changing suspension over the time I own the truck. So now if I ever feel it is out of alignment I will take it in. If I upgrade front suspension, I will take it in.

Funny thing to note, as I was leaving Firestone with my truck the tech/salesman said they recommended getting your vehicle aligned 2-3 times a year. That's crazy IMO.

 

Pretty sure my Toyota service rep suggested I do it at 75k miles when I asked him a while back.

 

If your truck has aftermarket wheels and tires, that are oversized, and or, lifted, I strongly suggest alignment every 6 months or so. If you take your truck off-roading, then it’s going to be more often than twice a year. Personally, I get an alignment check every 4 months and with my oil changes because it’s lifted, has oversized wheels and tires, and I tow a lot.

Bought one of those lifetime alignment for my truck from the local Tires Plus store and it saves me a whole lot of money.