Can a Wheel Alignment Be Done in 5 Minutes?

DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/01/2025 - 14:24
Last edited 30/01/2025 - 15:25

I got a wheel alignment done recently due to my last set of Continental Premium Contact 7 wearing out in 25000km (front tyres only and were never rotated so might be normal), but when I took the car to get a wheel alignment they were done in 5 min of pulling the car into the garage.

After reviewing the dashcam video I noticed it looked like they just pumped up the tyres. I didn't see any equipment that looked like an alignment being used.

At 1:50 one of the staff can be heard saying "someone told him to get a wheel alignment". I got the feeling that I was upsold even though I didn't need an alignment from my interactions with the staff.

As long as they checked the alignment and decided it didn't need adjustment I am happy but if they just pumped up the air and sent the car off I feel like I should get a refund.

Do you think a wheel alignment was done?

EDIT: I didn't get a print out listing the alignment either

EDIT 2: Showed the MyCar staff the video and they said they know I'm right that they did nothing because their machine is broken.

Poll Options

  • 7
    Yes
  • 279
    No
Automotive Wheel Alignment

Comments

  • coffeeinmyveins on 30/01/2025 - 14:33

    how much did you pay?

    • DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/01/2025 - 14:34

      $89

      • Murkymerv on 30/01/2025 - 16:27
        +31

        Short answer is no wheel alignment can be done in five minutes , unless you're the flash ⚡

        • welcomeUniverseWorld on 30/01/2025 - 16:33
          +2

          The flash would burn the tyres

        • ATTS on 01/02/2025 - 13:34

          Noob q What is the normal length? Like maybe 10 to 20mins?

          Usually is it they just adjust toe and camber values?

          • Murkymerv on 01/02/2025 - 16:49

            @ATTS: 30-45 minutes give or take.

            • ATTS on 01/02/2025 - 17:12

              @Murkymerv: Damn im probably getting shafted too

              • Murkymerv on 01/02/2025 - 23:04

                @ATTS: Why

                • ATTS on 02/02/2025 - 08:31

                  @Murkymerv: I dont think my wheel alignment took 30 to 45 mins thats why

                  Btw what extra things suspension shop do with wheel alignment when compared to tyre shop

                  • Murkymerv on 02/02/2025 - 17:22

                    @ATTS: What was it , that they did exactly?
                    And remember , user experience may Vary with wheel alignment . So take my thirty minutes with a grain of salt but that's been my experience.

                    • ATTS on 02/02/2025 - 17:46

                      @Murkymerv: Thanks

                      From memory

                      Put car on hoist, attach machine to all 4 wheels, make adjustments with hand tool at last step, test drive, print report

                      • ATTS on 02/02/2025 - 17:47

                        @ATTS: Hand tool might be for the control arms

                      • Murkymerv on 03/02/2025 - 11:30

                        @ATTS: Sounds good to me !

                        • ATTS on 03/02/2025 - 15:24

                          @Murkymerv: Oh right thanks. Yeah its just i didnt like to be taken for a fool

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 30/01/2025 - 14:35
    +1

    Doesn't look like any wheel alignment work was done.

    @pegaxs?

  • bohn on 30/01/2025 - 14:36
    +9

    you definitely should get a refund and keep us posted

    • Kranbone on 01/02/2025 - 12:47
      +4

      This is genuinely concerning as not only did the shop rip the customer off for work never done, but it makes you think what other area's they are cutting out on.

      Pretty sure this shop does safety inspections too. I wonder if they charge for that but don't bother doing them. Very concerning.

      EDIT: OP, whatever you do, DO NOT REMOVE THE VIDEO. Leave it up. It's a reflection of the store, the franchise and shows what happened. No matter how you are pressured.

      • ATTS on 01/02/2025 - 13:37
        +1

        I heard some shops take bribe for a pass pink slip. Is that true

        • knk on 03/02/2025 - 07:11

          Yes, but in my experience it's not very common

          • ATTS on 03/02/2025 - 09:04

            @knk: I c thanks, they could lose their license doing that right?

            • knk on 03/02/2025 - 10:27

              @ATTS: Yeah, last time I got a rwc in victoria, couple years ago I was chatting to the assessor and he was saying it's tough to do dodgies / only for people he is mates with these days.

              A lot of documentation requirements etc, photos and what not from what I gather so it's harder to just look the other way.

              Not a mechanic, so I might just be talking out my ass

        • Naigrabzo on 03/02/2025 - 08:57

          I once had the guy just print out the brake check part of the pink slip without even seeing the car. I did take the car to them around 3:45pm though. HAHAHAHA.

          • ATTS on 03/02/2025 - 09:03

            @Naigrabzo: Haha early clock of time thats why lol

            • Naigrabzo on 03/02/2025 - 09:53

              @ATTS: He said to me and I quote "I will do this one quickly ok?" Who am I to object?

  • MS Paint on 30/01/2025 - 14:38
    +32

    Always ask for a print out of the before and after figures.

    They can't fudge it then.

    Looks like the use the Trigon 648 wheel alignment tool. The sensors weren't even removed or your car's specs measured.

    Demand a refund and from now on use a proper suspension shop.

    • DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/01/2025 - 15:05
      +1

      Thanks for confirming that, I'll go speak to them and see what they have to say.

      • Gunnar on 30/01/2025 - 16:30
        +1

        Note the other bit of advice that @MS Paint provided you: USE A PROPER SUSPENSION SHOP

        Suspension shops do proper wheel alignments, god knows what tyre shops do but they sure as hell don’t know how to do a wheel alignment.

        Theres a lot more to an alignment than the car tracking straight. You can have a terrible alignment and the car still tracks arrow straight. I haven’t gone to a tyre shop for an alignment for the last 15 years and my setup has never been better!

        • ATTS on 01/02/2025 - 17:15

          Oh wow didnt know this. I only ever used tyre shops. Thanks

          Btw how to find good suspension shop and is the price usually a bit higher for alignment from suspension shop? When compared to tyre shop

          • Gunnar on 01/02/2025 - 17:40

            @ATTS: Yeah usually higher but the price depends on what needs adjusting on your suspension and setup in general. If you’re after a custom setup it is expensive but getting it to factory is not so much.

            Car forums are your best bet for recommendations if you want a good one. If you’re Sydney based see this post and other comments later on this thread for recommendations:
            https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/16218571/redir

            • ATTS on 01/02/2025 - 19:40

              @Gunnar: Thanks man.

              Yeah just need factory recalibration.

              Cant believe i didnt know the difference between tyre shops and suspension shops for wheel alignment

              I incorrectly thought suspension shops were just to replace springs and coilovers and lower cars

        • Naigrabzo on 03/02/2025 - 09:56
          +1

          To be honest who knew that there are proper suspection shops! I am going to find a cabin air filter shop because I need to change that soon in my car…

    • lachhelix on 30/01/2025 - 17:04

      Got any suspension shop recommendations my friend?

      • MS Paint on 30/01/2025 - 17:12
        +9

        Australia is a big place.

      • JIMB0 on 30/01/2025 - 17:52
        +3

        My local Pedders is great, but they are franchisees and yours may not be so good.

        The best place I ever went to was an old suspension shop that had a very old alignment machine which had no lasers or computers. They set the car up great.

        • MS Paint on 30/01/2025 - 18:00
          +1

          String and a metal ruler works great for toe adjustment.

          • lachhelix on 30/01/2025 - 20:38

            @MS Paint: What about paper?

            • MS Paint on 30/01/2025 - 21:10
              +2

              @lachhelix: Yes, plus a pen to write the measurement results on said piece of paper.

          • JIMB0 on 31/01/2025 - 10:02

            @MS Paint: Park it on a flat surface, use a spirit level to check camber and you're done.

        • lachhelix on 30/01/2025 - 20:38

          Oh yeah fanks, sussed them out, was wondering whether they did anything different than a normal wheel/tyre shop

        • donga100 on 30/01/2025 - 21:09

          Ironically my local MyCar is great too. 😅

          • BewareOfThe Dog on 30/01/2025 - 21:12

            @donga100: How many tyres did you buy?

            • donga100 on 30/01/2025 - 23:05

              @BewareOfThe Dog: 4 during Pirelli 50% off deal but I have used them for servicing previously too.

              • BewareOfThe Dog on 30/01/2025 - 23:09
                +1

                @donga100: I've always been wary. I had a bad experience (with kmart auto) with my falcon. Pink slip required, and i was worried about my muffler. $1700 later… (muffler passed). Shame I couldn't make it to my usual mechanic, who was 100ks away at the time.
                These days, i check the tyres before going in, take a few pics, and leave the tyre guage on the front seat.

                • donga100 on 31/01/2025 - 11:53
                  +1

                  @BewareOfThe Dog: The other MyCar near my house gets terrible reviews. I guess it just depends on the franchisor as to how good it is, the same as any other independent mechanic.

                  • brad1-8tsi on 31/01/2025 - 14:00
                    +2

                    @donga100:

                    I guess it just depends on the franchisor as to how good it is, the same as any other independent mechanic.

                    AFAIK they aren't franchises. MyCar was KTAS which was a division of Wesfarmers. Continental bought it for $300m+ and own all the businesses and have managers onsite.

                    I have a fair knowledge of the business model as my old boss was the CEO of KTAS until the sale. It's all about upselling, really cheap consumables and really cheap oil.

                • Naigrabzo on 03/02/2025 - 10:09

                  @BewareOfThe Dog: How do you mean tyre gauge on front seat?

              • BewareOfThe Dog on 30/01/2025 - 23:13
                +1

                @donga100: That's a good deal.

        • brad1-8tsi on 31/01/2025 - 14:04

          The best place I ever went to was an old suspension shop that had a very old alignment machine which had no lasers or computers. They set the car up great.

          I loved the light aligner I had when I was doing alignments. So simple, robust and accurate.

          The Simplex mechanical machines are great too.

          A lot of it's reliant on the operator. Half the cars I worked on I had my own settings rather than the factory recommendations.

          • JIMB0 on 31/01/2025 - 14:43

            @brad1-8tsi: It been 20 years since I've seen one. I remember it had a light projecting a dot onto a scale. A pair of guys working each side in the pit and it was done in under 10 minutes.

    • CalmLemons on 01/02/2025 - 13:31

      Yes every single places leaves the printout in the car and I always wondered why. Guess this is why.

      • Naigrabzo on 03/02/2025 - 10:10

        Need at least before and after measurements for alignment.

  • wikimee1 on 30/01/2025 - 14:42
    -2

    Only if it's only one tyre and if the guy is quick and efficient.

    • BartholemewH on 31/01/2025 - 03:49
      +1

      What? Alignment, not balance.

    • brad1-8tsi on 31/01/2025 - 13:54
      +1

      Only if it's only one tyre and if the guy is quick and efficient.

      Why comment if you haven't a clue what you are talking about?

  • xuqi on 30/01/2025 - 14:44
    +1

    Doesn't look like they did anything…

  • Series4Episode10 on 30/01/2025 - 14:50
    +1

    Obviously didn't need it, I can attest to the cost of running a shop, but for the sake of customer relations, a "no charge" is worth the cost to the business in good will, possible repeat business and word of mouth advertising.

    • DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/01/2025 - 14:52
      +6

      I didn't think I needed it, but they told me a wheel alignment was needed as I got new tyres. I only agreed because the last set only lasted 25000km vs the 80000km my other cars get. Seems a bit disingenuous to recommend the service and then deem the service unnecessary without at least checking with a machine.

      • MS Paint on 30/01/2025 - 14:57
        +10

        Just because a car drives straight and "feels" ok doesn't meant an alignment isn't required. You had good grounds for accepting their suggestion. They just failed with their end of the bargain.

      • Series4Episode10 on 30/01/2025 - 14:58
        -2

        If they had any business acumen they would word their statements to customers better, mechanics tend to put little thought into customer relations, they could have said "with new tyres the car's wheel alignment needs checking" in which case it leaves the customer with the idea that if the alignment is good, they would not bother doing any further work, I had a wheel alignment in 2019 and they charged me for that but no adjustments were needed, I didn't complain as they went over my suspension and informed me everything was good, if they did that I think you should be ok to pay them for that peace of mind and service.

        • DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/01/2025 - 15:04
          +6

          Did they check though? I don't care if no adjustments were made, I just don't think they even bothered to check.

          • Series4Episode10 on 30/01/2025 - 15:09
            +1

            @DOGGYWOWWOW: You'll know to watch what is happening, I was able to see the mechanic drive my car from the tyre fitting shop to a shed where the alignment was performed and the owner informed me of what happened, that my ute neither needed alignment or had any suspension issues, be proactive when it comes to trades people or service providers, having a basic idea at least of what they will perform for you and monitoring what they do for you as much as possible is smart, I do believe you should choose another shop next time you need rubber.

      • Jackson on 31/01/2025 - 10:55
        +2

        It's a bit unclear from your post, but did they charge you for it? if they did, and didn't do the job, you are right to be livid with them. Not only is the job not done, but you were charged for it. This is fraud.

        To my knowledge, unless things have changed recently, the car is usually on a hoist for a wheel alignment. This hasn't even been raised?

        • DOGGYWOWWOW on 31/01/2025 - 11:43
          +1

          They did the job eventually, might not be the best job but it took them 40 minutes and the staff were very apologetic so I'm happy.

          • MrFrugalSpend on 01/02/2025 - 08:37
            +3

            @DOGGYWOWWOW: You shouldn't be happy - this is scandalous, MyCar is a big brand, I wonder how many people are not getting a service they paid for?
            I'm sure management would be furious, but they may need some checks and balances about what happens on the shop floor.

            • ThadtheChad on 01/02/2025 - 10:42

              @MrFrugalSpend: Yup. I'd really demand an explanation as to why they didn't bother telling me that a paid-for service was not performed.

  • jv on 30/01/2025 - 15:08
    +7

    You got done…

    https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/tell-us-your-story

  • JimB on 30/01/2025 - 15:20
    +6

    I'd share the receipt and video link with the head office of the tyre store company and also request a refund.

    Take the money and get it done elsewhere.

    If the car tracks straight and the tyres are wearing evenly, you may not need a wheel alignment.

    • DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/01/2025 - 15:24
      +24

      Showed the staff the video and they said they know I'm right that they did nothing because their machine is broken. MyCar has lost my business aside from the annual black friday 50% off Pirellis.

      • JimB on 30/01/2025 - 15:26
        +12

        I'd still tell head office.

        I'm sure Continental would want to know the MyCar franchise isn't doing the right thing.

        Did you change tyres also or just get a wheel alignment?

        Got the refund yet?

        • halo9 on 31/01/2025 - 01:06
          +1

          Had a similar thing occur at a Bob Jane branch in WA. Second set of new tyres and alignment after a couple years on old set. Came in and was charged for a rotate and check alignment (the 3rd time in total) and car came out pretty quick. They said all done and good and handed keys back. I started asking questions as other times I dropped car and came back later. They got the “tech” out to see me and he admits he can’t align my wheels due to their machine and my rim types (stock amarok 18”). End up getting refund for that day.

          Realise they have charged me other times too and never did one properly, though they did give a before after report but was it made up? Wouldn’t refund for other times. Complained to corporate office and heard crickets. Never buying tyres or going to their stores again.

      • AndyC1 on 30/01/2025 - 19:16

        Did they give you the $89 back?

        • DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/01/2025 - 19:58
          +1

          Nope, they just actually did the job this time.

          • AdosHouse on 30/01/2025 - 21:26
            +21

            @DOGGYWOWWOW: How? Their machine is broken.

          • siresteelhell on 01/02/2025 - 20:50
            +3

            @DOGGYWOWWOW: still dob them in to corporate, these are scumbags that need sorting out

          • Leeroy Jenkins on 03/02/2025 - 11:39

            @DOGGYWOWWOW: Looks like they are truly scumbags. Worth spreading the word about them on Twitter or something. People should avoid businesses like this.

    • MrFrugalSpend on 01/02/2025 - 08:42
      +3

      Contact this guy via linkedin - Adam Pay, the Managing Director of MyCar AND Deputy Chairman of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association:
      https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-pay-33b7a131/

  • Dollar General on 30/01/2025 - 15:34
    +50

    Seems like they performed a wallet alignment

  • ihbh on 30/01/2025 - 15:51

    1. You took your car to Chatswood Chase? The rent is exhorbitant so they need to get you out pronto. ;)

    2. You should have asked for a report first. I changed my front tires a couple of days before you at MyCar Chatswood (not Chase) where they do a proper job. I wasn't prepared to pay for a wheel alignment at their suggestion, but they did do a report for me confirming I didn't need it. https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/22732/119420/pxl_20250…

    PS: I hope you negotiated the tyres down from advertised price.

    • DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/01/2025 - 15:52
      +1

      Black friday 50% off Pirelli is the only reason I ever came.

      • serpserpserp on 30/01/2025 - 21:50
        +2

        I also only come over Pirelli tyres

        • eug on 31/01/2025 - 02:28
          +3

          jeez both of you, they're just tyres! 😏

    • snuke on 01/02/2025 - 15:55

      You took your car to Chatswood Chase?

      It's Top Ryde, you can see the Devlin St exit signs a couple of times in the car park.

  • pegaxs on 30/01/2025 - 15:58
    +2

    It can’t be “done” in 5 mins… but it could be checked in 5mins. Throw it up on the hoist, slap the alignment gear on it and check… if it’s within spec, there isn’t anything to touch.

    But this doesn’t even sound like they did that.

    • DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/01/2025 - 16:01
      +5

      I'm watching them do it now. It's been 30 minutes and they're still at it. Looking at how many steps are needed there is no reality where they did it the first time around.

  • geekcohen on 30/01/2025 - 16:11
    +3

    Showed the MyCar staff

    Says it all.

    I went to MyCar for a Flat Tyre fix. "Sorry, cannot do it tomorrow". Went to TyrePower and they did it instantly.

    • GordonD on 30/01/2025 - 16:20
      +3

      Got a flat. Couldn't change it because the wheel nuts had been done up too tightly. Local mechanic I got the car serviced at about 12 months earlier was closest, with least damage to the tyre getting there. Asked them if they wanted to do it, or should I take it another few hundred metres to the tyre place. They said they'd do it there and then. Asked how much afterwards, and was told "no charge".

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