This review refers to a visit on February 25, 2023.

Vehicle: 2005 Subaru

Mileage: 276887km

To clarify: the estimate we provided included four parts, not two. You’re correct that the total estimate, including parts, labour, and tax, was $2,255.63.

Our primary concern at the time was that your rear tire was worn down to the cords, which is a serious safety issue. This is why we advised the vehicle was unsafe to drive.

If you review the invoice and digital inspection, you’ll see that we recommended addressing the most of the worn original equipment steering components prior to performing an alignment. Continuing with the alignment without fixing those components would lead to further tire wear—and we would not proceed with an alignment on a vehicle in that condition.

You are not obligated to complete any repairs with us. However, in order to safely install new tires and perform a proper alignment, these components are recommended being replaced. We’re not the kind of shop that cuts corners just to make a quick $150 on an alignment—we believe in doing it right the first time. If that standard doesn’t align with your expectations, we may not be the right fit for your service needs.

We don’t take creating a response like this lightly. The only reason we are addressing it publicly is because our integrity matters. We believe in transparency and want to ensure our side of the story is available, especially when the review presents incomplete or misleading claims—with the exception of complimenting our team and acknowledging the repair cost.

Unfortunately, the advice you received elsewhere downplayed the severity of your vehicle’s condition. But when a tire is worn that severely, the underlying issues are usually very clear.

You can view the inspection report and documentation below.

Key Point 1: Vehicle inspections are necessary to identify issues that could affect a wheel alignment’s effectiveness.

Key Point 2: A cost is incurred because inspections require skilled labor, time, and tools.

Key Point 3: The inspection ensures that the alignment is done properly, preventing future problems or additional costs.

A vehicle inspection before performing a wheel alignment is essential because it identifies any underlying issues, such as worn-out suspension components, damaged tires, or brake problems, that could interfere with the alignment process. If these issues are not addressed, the wheel alignment might not hold or could lead to uneven tire wear and unsafe driving conditions.

Why We Inspect Before Wheel Alignments: Transparency and Safety

The cost for the inspection reflects the expertise, time, and specialized equipment required to thoroughly check the vehicle’s condition. During booking and at drop-off, we inform clients about this potential cost to ensure transparency, especially if the vehicle fails the inspection and needs further repairs before the alignment can proceed. This upfront inspection prevents costly rework and guarantees the alignment will be effective and safe in the long term.

Many who do their own repairs often think our inspection is just a way for us to tally up a large repair bill. That’s not the case. We understand and respect that you’ve taken the time to do your own repairs. Our goal is transparency, not upselling. We provide an estimate of what it would cost us to perform the repairs, but it’s entirely up to you how you choose to proceed.

You are paying for this service, would you not want a detailed report on what we recommend fro repairs?

Our inspection report is simply to show what must be repaired before we can properly align your vehicle. Skipping this step would be a disservice to you, as the alignment could be ineffective or short-lived. Unfortunately, many shops will proceed with an alignment even after noticing a vehicle is in disrepair, but we prioritize safety and doing the job right the first time.