Wheel Alignment

[VinceM]

I'm looking to get the alignment done on my Jag XF, and I was all ready to pay Elite a visit in Essex, when the other day I noticed that Kwik Fit did it, wih similar looking equipment to the Hunter version.

The other day I went to Kwik Fit to have a tyre fitted, and have them swapped around, it was my own tyre and they were quite good, and I'd happily go back to the same place. It was then I noticed that they did the alignment.

So does anyone know why I shouldn't go to Kwik Ft, given they are local and it can be done while wife is shopping. I know they have a terrible rep, but my instincts are saying it should be fine.......shouldn't it?

Anyone had this done at either place?

Thanks.

[MysteryLemon]

I tried tracking at kwik fit for a fist cinquecento I once had. I took it back 3 times to get it redone for free and each time it came out worse. Gave up and went elsewhere.

I'm sure each branch is different though but I've never had a good thing to say about them.

[Rich_W]

No Jag dealers near you?

XF is still fairly new after all.

[motco]

Remember, it's not the quality of the equipment that matters as much as the skill, motivation, and intelligence of the operator using it. I went to an independent 'specialist' in Colindale who had the latest computerised laser based equipment. The ape who did the work put the datum pad of the frame carrying the laser not on the wheel rim, but on the balancing weight! When I queried it, the result was the typical insolent response, much spanner kicking, and general moodiness. The alignment was so bad even after he sulkily corrected the location, that the tyres were shot to pieces in under five thousand miles.

[Lloydie33]

Due to the pot luck nature of getting someone ok or more likely an incompetent moron doing it at any of the commonly known tyre places (from harsh experience) do not faff about, go somewhere with a reputation - black boots is not too far away and from personal experience set up my Evo a treat. They spent about 1hr and were happy to do it to your own specs (or the factory recommended ones). They were friendly and clearly knew what they were doing with their top spec piece of kit. Even swopped the wheels round too. I have no affiliation but recommended them to a friend with a XF-S and he had a similar good experience.
Chris at Centre of Gravity is highly recommended by a friend too. (no affiliation either)

[kambites]

You might be lucky and get someone who knows what they're doing, but you also might not.

[Jaguar steve]

Look back a few pages in the Essex and Kent forum - several reccomendations for 4 wheel alignment work there.

As said before results are down the capability and skills of the operator, my local tyre apes have a Hunter alignment system but I'd not trust them to inflate a tyre without fknig something up. I've used Elite at Rainham in the past on an XJ which is a very sensitive car regarding alignment to and been really pleased with results.

[Pints]

MysteryLemon said:

I tried tracking at kwik fit for a fist cinquecento I once had. I took it back 3 times to get it redone for free and each time it came out worse. Gave up and went elsewhere.

I'm sure each branch is different though but I've never had a good thing to say about them.

I had a similar experience when I took my Clio in to a KF in London some years ago.
I gave up in the end and went elsewhere.

[DKS]

More to the point, what makes you think the alignment is out?
Unless you've walloped something and bent a suspension component, or something worn out, there's no need to have it done for the sake of it.
Either place should check only for free.

I'd watch any place like a hawk. As said, check the things are clipped to the wheel correct, and make sure they select the correct car. They will often not worry about engine sizes.

And how many places ensure 1/2 tank of fuel and two front passengers?