[Max]

Is it really worth the money involved to keep up with wheel alignment and balance? It seems so costly to me. Does it really need to be done regularly?

[FiveSpeed]

It's not something that's part of my regular maintenance, like changing the oil. If my car isn't tracking straight or the tires are wearing unevenly, then I know the front end needs to be lined up. If the steering wheel shudders or vibrates in your hands, then the culprit is usually wheels that need to be balanced.

[MustangSally]

I get my wheels balanced when I get new tires and then don't mess with it unless I have reason to believe one became unbalanced. Same for the front end alignment. If there are signs that it needs to be aligned, I take it in. Otherwise, I don't mess with it.

[Byker]

The signs are so obvious when the wheels are out of line or unbalanced that I don't have it checked regularly. There's really no need to. I'm right in to get it taken care of if any of the signs start, though.

[Marvin]

It doesn't seem to quite be in the same category as other forms of "preventive maintenance" does it. I always wondered if there was a price to be paid for not being religious about it, but I don't think so.