Community Chat

[Goodie2shoes]

@Still Rainingwrote:

Two thoughts -

A 4 tire alignment for $39?  Really?

Since thIs a low mileage situation it should be less than 1 year since they were aligned, right?  So how did they get so bad?  When was the last time the suspension was checked?  There may be others reasons with an older car.

Please have a more extensive checkup.

Yes $39 ! I was surprised that it didn't cost more. 3 tires out of alignment.  I bought new tires almost 2 yrs ago and I believe that's the last time they were aligned.  Being retired since 2016, I don't drive much or very far. My longest trip is to church every Sunday   Thanks for the advice.

[monicakm]

@Still Raining 

She may live on a glorified cow trail like I do.  It doesn't take long.

[monicakm]

@jlkz 

OMGOSH!  

[Carmie]

That sounds scary and I know it was.

I have had two new tire stories, so I know how you feel.  Vent away.

The first one was new tires for my 1968 T bird.  While driving it, my car was difficult steer and my steering wheel was vibrating.

I barely got home.  The person who mounted my tires hand tightened the lugs to hold the wheels on.  After driving for about a week or two, all the lugs but one was gone from my passenger front wheel.  The wheel was hanging on just barely.

My wheel rim was ruined and I was lucky I wasn't an accident.

Another time, my new tires that were supposed to help with traction on wet roads were installed backwards.  

In the pouring rain, Instead of pushing the water away, the water was sent under my car.  I was hydroplaning all over the highway and couldn't control the car.  I was on the interstate and had to drive 20 Mph on the berm to the next exit.

Some places do not employ people who know what they are doing.  Now, I have my husband buy the tires.  He stays with the staff and watches them to make sure everything is done right.

[haddon9]

I'm glad to hear that your problem has been solved and the best part it wasn't expensive!

Reading your story I was wondering what never driving out of state meant.  Why would that make a difference?I live in PA and NJ is ten minutes away.  I drive there multiple times a month.  

I'm lucky to have a neighbor who owns a Goodyear and lives two doors down from me take my car in whenever I have a problem.  He's great at fixing whatever might be wrong.  He also does routine maintenance and inspection. 

[katie1859]

Firstly, NEVER go to VALVOLINE OR FIRESTONE

Always use a local mechanic

I don't recommend fast oil change drive throughs

and FIRESTONES are shotty, bait and switch

I speak to personal experience as I have a 2020

Chevy TRAX LT

I had a similar problem and its sensors 

Oxygen Sensors

Our vehicles are all electronic and these O2 sensors 

regulate the whole operation

you can go to any AutoZone for free

and they will test the panel

and if any are bad or weak they can see

Also spark plugs, they can see if corrosion is there 

Wont cause a dime 

Call a local repair shop in your community and that's where

you get maintenance and repairs 

They also most likely offer discounts

[mrshckynut]

@Goodie2shoes   per my husband who worked on cars for decades        alignment generally has more effect on tire wear       the weight you spoke of is not part of the tire different weights are put on the wheels of a vehicle to balance them     most vibration one feels on steering wheels genarally has more to do with wheel balance as opposed to wheel alignment

mrshckynut 

[Still Raining]

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@monicakm wrote:

@Still Raining 

She may live on a glorified cow trail like I do.  It doesn't take long.

---

Indeed, gravel for me.  She further clarified that it has about 2 years since they were aligned.  That is a long time.

[mrshckynut]

@Still Raining   we live on a gravel road for 25 years now        when my husband drives our vehicles he can tell if alignment is way off and even i can tell when the wheels are out of balance

mrshckynut 

[Twins Mom]

@Goodie2shoes 

May I make a suggestion.  I have heard multiple bad results from the quick oil change p!aces.  DH had to use on company car years ago before roadtrip for oil change.  Some piece was not correctly put back on and began to drag,make noise, etc.  When getting to a dealer, temporary repair made but damage done.  Some tire places same type of issues.  No matter what the chain, the individual store/shop can be great or a dud depending on management and workers.  If you don't know their reputation, stay clear.