Is alignment worth? or is it spam especially dealer ask you to do it frequently?

[Fareastplaza]

My 4runner didn't do alignment for last 6 years and I feel everything is ok and tires don't have any sign of uneven worn. Now dealer told me I should do it every time when I swap summer/winter tires, or it will harm my t4r. Is it true? They charge me like $140 to do it. I told them I didn't do it for 6 years or even longer. They make a serious face to me and confirmed my ride will be damaged soon if I don't do it. :noidea:

 

[Humble Leader]

the frequency of alignments really depends on how often you drive and where you're driving. flat nice roads no potholes? less frequently. barreling down a trail with roots and ruts, more frequently.

a good rule of thumb I follow is: whenever I get new tires, new suspension components / new brakes/rotors or ran over something I shouldn't have just to be safe (a large brick on the road at speed, or a curb covered in snow you can't see etc.)

for me that works out to about 2 year intervals, reasonable even if it was $140

 

[Ripper238]

Pretty much BS unless you are off roading or drive on rough roads. I never aligned my Acura except for when I had suspension issues or changes. Went 300k. Same with my Dodge, Ford and Mazda. And i am proactive about service to some level.

My 4R has 65k now and never did an alignment, probably wont until I replace my suspension components around 100k or do some heavier off roading.

 

[<<<<]

I had vehicles for twenty years with original factory alignment and zero issues...

 

[rwh963]

240k, no alignments. tires wear even. rotate them? yes, about every 10k.

 

[4runner206]

Usually I only get one when I change suspension components or like a steering rack. I do have total chaos gussets around my cam tabs so it’s unlikely my alignment will get knocked out even with rough off roading.