Tracking - Kwik-Fit, any reason not to?
Discussion
I know Kwik-Fit are generally the place to avoid for more or less everything car related, but how about something simple like getting the tracking done? I seem to remember they used to offer this for about £30?
I noticed over the weekend my car was pulling slightly to the left, so I'd like to get it checked out.
I checked the Kwik-fit website, but could only see Full Wheel Alignment advertised and no pricing.
I'm around the Solihull (Birmingham) area if anyone's got any recommendations.
I noticed over the weekend my car was pulling slightly to the left, so I'd like to get it checked out.
I checked the Kwik-fit website, but could only see Full Wheel Alignment advertised and no pricing.
I'm around the Solihull (Birmingham) area if anyone's got any recommendations.
I had my tracking done last July, come September I had a puncture on the rear and my two fronts only had about 1k left in them so decided to have all four done while I was there.
They 'tested' my wheel alignment and told me it was way off, on the screen they were calibrating it according to a 2012 golf cabriolet. My car is a 2006 R32 so I told them thanks, but no thanks.
They 'tested' my wheel alignment and told me it was way off, on the screen they were calibrating it according to a 2012 golf cabriolet. My car is a 2006 R32 so I told them thanks, but no thanks.
Went many many years ago.
They adjusted it. I reversed out of the parking bay, put it on full lock to get out the space and let go of the wheel to straighten up...it didn't, I simply kept going round in circles in the car park with my hands behind my head as the manager looked on.
They had adjusted it with the engine off and had cranked it all the way in.
Never been back, ATS for me.
They adjusted it. I reversed out of the parking bay, put it on full lock to get out the space and let go of the wheel to straighten up...it didn't, I simply kept going round in circles in the car park with my hands behind my head as the manager looked on.
They had adjusted it with the engine off and had cranked it all the way in.
Never been back, ATS for me.
IIIRestorerIII said:
Just found that website along with a 5% voucher. Looks to be about £80 ish (Google reviews) for Full Alignment, and £60 for just the front, although they don't actually quote any set price on their website.
Not sure it's pulling bad enough to be bothered to spend that sort of money if I'm honest....
I had my alignment done at Kwik Fit - the steering wheel juddered until I had it sorted at a BMW garage. The BMW garage also reported millimetres of wear only a few months and not many miles later and so I have a suspicion that the tyres they fitted were not brand new but can't prove that. I wouldn't use them again......
I went in to get two new tyres and the tracking checked. As soon as I drove away I realised that the wheel was massively off centre, and the car pulled badly to one side, so much so I had to constantly counter it or the car would veer.
Long story short, 9 visits to 2 separate branches and it was still not right. One time I had to point out where they had fitted the kit incorrectly, even though it was the first time I had seen it.
After a few months the tyres were shown wear on the edges from the constant counter steer I needed to correct the veer.
I asked for a refund and they refused. They also refused to look at the car any more.
Within a year the tyres were destroyed.
New tyres and tracking fixed at a competent garage, and the normality was restored. Those tyres lasted 20k+ miles.
Long story short, 9 visits to 2 separate branches and it was still not right. One time I had to point out where they had fitted the kit incorrectly, even though it was the first time I had seen it.
After a few months the tyres were shown wear on the edges from the constant counter steer I needed to correct the veer.
I asked for a refund and they refused. They also refused to look at the car any more.
Within a year the tyres were destroyed.
New tyres and tracking fixed at a competent garage, and the normality was restored. Those tyres lasted 20k+ miles.
The kit they use is perfectly adequate (I believe they have Hunter rigs?)...
...unfortunately wheel alignment is largely down to the operator. And that can be very hit and miss with Kwik Fit, especially since getting a good alignment takes a bit of time. They should produce a before and after print out with all the wheel settings, which show if in manufacturer's tolerance/spec or not.
Depending on the car, sometimes the only setting adjustable is the front toe (track rod ends wound in or out). You can do this at home with a piece of string and chalk, and get results that from an accuracy point of view are no worse than what you'd get on a proper rig.
i.e. Never pay for full car/rear wheel alignment on a car that's got a rear torsion beam with no adjustment!!
...unfortunately wheel alignment is largely down to the operator. And that can be very hit and miss with Kwik Fit, especially since getting a good alignment takes a bit of time. They should produce a before and after print out with all the wheel settings, which show if in manufacturer's tolerance/spec or not.
Depending on the car, sometimes the only setting adjustable is the front toe (track rod ends wound in or out). You can do this at home with a piece of string and chalk, and get results that from an accuracy point of view are no worse than what you'd get on a proper rig.
i.e. Never pay for full car/rear wheel alignment on a car that's got a rear torsion beam with no adjustment!!
BUG4LIFE said:
I've used Kwik Fit in Shirley for alignment on their Hunter machine. Nice helpful chaps, told us to come back every so often for a free check. Fingers crossed they did a good job!!
Yeah so they can inform you that the tyres have worn on the inside and you need a new setUK345 said:
National tyres are good for alignment. Had my car recently aligned by them and it was a good service. Car is bang on now and not pulling. If you go onto their website you can print off a voucher whicvh gets you it done for 50% off so £15
This sounds ideal! I've downloaded the voucher and there's a National Tyres place very close to me (Hall Green). I'll give them a call and see if I can get it booked in for the weekend.
With your location in mind, it's worth making a trip to ALine in Dudley. http://www.alineyourcar.co.uk/
Brilliant blokes, well priced, and hugely knowedgeable. They've done about 5 cars for me. They do everything from normal road car setups to full motorsport jobs.
I'm near Straford-Upon-Avon and make the journey every time.
Very good value too, it's about £40 for just front and rear toe, and £60 for more complex (ie. camber, caster and toe) setup.
Well worth the journey.
They don't do bookings, so it's a queueing system, so worth getting there early on the weekends
Brilliant blokes, well priced, and hugely knowedgeable. They've done about 5 cars for me. They do everything from normal road car setups to full motorsport jobs.
I'm near Straford-Upon-Avon and make the journey every time.
Very good value too, it's about £40 for just front and rear toe, and £60 for more complex (ie. camber, caster and toe) setup.
Well worth the journey.
They don't do bookings, so it's a queueing system, so worth getting there early on the weekends
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