Frame Alignment - How often ?

[Coss98LS400]

As a new owner of a 98 LS400 with 23k miles on it I had a serious chunk of tire ripped off it while driving the interstate. I replaced the rear tires with the Bridgestone brand to match the already new ones on the front. The tire store (Firestone) told me the frame needed alignment and I saw why when I saw that independent suspension like the Vettes have. He told me it should be done quite regularly and I got the alignment special where I could have it done whenever I wanted for $100 total. How often do you have yours aligned? He told me about every 3 months or the tires will wear out quick like the one did that I had a problem with?

[Brian R.]

Unless your vehicle is much more prone to going out of alignment than the normal car, getting it done every 25k would be ok. If you drive on bad roads, every 15k may be advisable.

Get it aligned and bring it back once in a while and see if it needs it or not. I guess it won't cost you anything. Normally, these places use an alignment as an excuse to give your suspension a real thorough inspection and tell you what needs to be replaced - even if it's marginal. They make alot of money that way - and they get first crack at finding marginally bad parts that may have significant life left in them yet.