Another dumb car maintenance question

[xoxoxoBruce]

H rating is 130 mph maximum.
T rating is 118 mph maximum.
Do you drive that fast?
There is no law that says you can't put on any goddamn tire you want.

[Cloud]

of course I don't go that fast,

but I don't want to make an expensive mistake,

in my ignorance, which is vast.

[tw]

Originally Posted by Cloud

the second link is useful, the first not so much, as it is not directed toward the consumer.

The first link has the three indicators that wheel alignment is out. Second link repeats what was posted previously:

But as we all know, there are a lot of vehicles that have no factory adjustments for front camber, caster, rear camber or toe. ...

The 1995 Chrysler ..., for example, have no factory front camber adjustments. Chrysler says no adjustment is needed because these cars are built to such exacting tolerances.

If alignment is out, then a bent part must be replaced. That second link suggests leaving the bent parts in and replacing other parts with after-market replacements. IOW realign to defective (bent) parts. That is called a "Kludge".

Bending alignment is extremely rare. But when it happens, the more responsible shops replace a bent part; do not install third party parts to 'fix' the still defective part.

Are you driving routinely above 100 MPH? Then most any tire is more than sufficient. However some manufacturers (Bridgestone) have a long history of making defective tires, killing people, denying it, and refusing to replace those defects. So that you don't know this, Firestone relabeled their products under the Bridgestone name.

When it comes to reliability, product integrity, and good value for every dollar, Michelin has long been the industry standard. For example, in the 1970s when premature tire failure was occurring typically on 60% of all tires; that same number for Michelin was only 2%. Yes, that premature failure rate was around sixty percent.

Bridgestone did the same lying in the 1990s with tires that were crashing SUVs. Why were those tires failing? Even after Bridgestone said they would install a fifth ply to stop the problem AND changed markings on tires from "four ply" to "five ply"; Bridgestone continued to make the same defective four ply tires. Bridgestone / Firestone has a repeat history of making defective tires - then lying about it.

Flagrantly lying about it. No other major tire manufacturer has a worse reputation. Killing people, knowing it, and refusing to fix the problem. Previous lies involved the “Firestone 500”.

[BrianR]

the 3000-mile oil change may not be needed for your car.

Details here.

[Cloud]

BTW, thanks Urbane Guerilla for the tips on wheel alignment. New tires, wheel alignment, yay!

[tw]

Originally Posted by Cloud

New tires, wheel alignment, yay!

Ask for the computer printout (numbers) from the alignment machine for both before and after the alignment is done. They are required to provide those printouts only if you ask for them. Printout should provide numbers for both front and rear wheels AND what tolerances were being used. Those numbers may expose or report other useful facts both historical and should future problems occur.

[Cloud]

I want to thank everyone for their help with my car stuff. I really appreciate it.

I knew there was SOME use for men.

[lookout123]

yabbut did you get the readout?

[Cloud]

I asked, but did not get it (because I would have to wait for it, and I ran out of time).

[tw]

Originally Posted by Cloud

I asked, but did not get it (because I would have to wait for it, and I ran out of time).

Wait for it? The tech has those numbers before he even raises a wrench. However, when selling something unnecessary, then stalling on anything written is a common technique. Why would you wait for something that the tech must have before he makes any adjustments? Many auto service places sell this alignment along side other useless tasks such as tuneups and 'lube job'. Tuneups and 'lube jobs' both have long been eliminated. But some still pay for that service also.

Best you not know that nothing was or could be changed.

[BrianR]

Thread resurrection time!

I happened across this site and thought it would be appropriate here.