Keeping a vehicle in shape goes beyond periodic servicing; proper wheel alignment is equally crucial. Firestone is one of the industry’s most trusted names and offers a Lifetime Alignment Service that promises to maintain the car’s perfect alignment over lengthy periods of time. But is it worth the investment?
This article will examine Firestone’s Lifetime Alignment service, how it works, its benefits, and whether it is suitable for your vehicle.
What is Firestone Lifetime Alignment?
This service grants clients unlimited vehicle alignments for an entire lifetime, hence the name. Rather than pay each time an alignment is performed to the vehicle, clients pay a flat fee and receive free alignment services whenever required.
How Does It Work?
- Purchase the Lifetime Alignment Service– A one-time payment is made (usually between $200 and $250, depending on the region and the type of vehicle).
- Initial Wheel Alignment– Firestone’s technicians perform an initial professional alignment to rectify any existing improper alignments.
- Unlimited Alignment—For the rest of the client’s life, they can bring in the vehicle as frequently as they desire to have realignments performed.
What Are Wheel Alignments and Why Are They Important?
Ensuring your wheels are properly aligned is crucial for how your car functions. Maintaining the correct alignment allows the tires to wear evenly while keeping them fully functional, improving handling, fuel, and longevity. Some of the reasons you might need your wheels aligned include:
Rough Wearing of Tires: Inner or outer edges getting worn out due to driving conditions.
- Any Outward Pull from the Car in a Specific Direction.
- Steering Wheel Not Centered
- Movement of the Steering Wheel without any steering input
Neglecting wheel alignment could become very costly in the future through repair costs or parts replacement later down the line. This is why checking for correct alignment regularly and adjusting accordingly is much more efficient.
Benefits of Firestone Lifetime Alignment
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Cost Savings Over Time
In the long term, everything is more affordable when you don’t have to worry about paying for each alignment treatment separately. With a one-time cost of $80 to $100, purchasing the lifetime payment alignments option is significantly more efficient.
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Unlimited Alignments
Customers can bring their cars in whenever they want to for servicing. This means you can schedule a checkup whenever you want to maximize your vehicle’s performance. This is useful if you frequently drive on rough roads.
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Extended Tire Life
All cars depend on the lifespan of their tires, and a lifetime alignment plan will save you x amount of dollars in the long run due to it extending the value of your tires due to it not needing to be replaced every couple of months.
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Improved Fuel Efficiency
Constant alignment checks will increase your fuel efficiency. Forcing your engine to work extra details on the car will only waste fuel while making you pay more.
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Better Handling and Safety
Having your car well ensures the driver stays in control of the vehicle while on the streets. Avoiding having to buy all these extra forces will allow for smoother steering.
Is Firestone Lifetime Alignment Worth It?
When It’s a Good Investment
Firestone’s Lifetime Alignment is worth considering if:
✅ You plan to keep your car for several years.
✅ You drive frequently on rough or uneven roads.
✅ Your car needs frequent alignments (every 6–12 months).
✅ You want to save money in the long run on multiple alignments.
When It Might Not Be Worth It
- If you contemplate selling or trading your vehicle in the short term, a full valuation on lifetime services may not be attainable.
- One alignment service may be more economical if you seldom need alignments, such as if you primarily drive on well-maintained highways.
- If there is no prominent location for Firestone in your vicinity, leveraging the service regularly could prove challenging.
Firestone Lifetime Alignment vs. One-Time Alignment
| Feature | Lifetime Alignment | One-Time Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $200–$250 (one-time fee) | $80–$100 per visit |
| Number of Alignments | Unlimited | One |
| Long-Term Savings | High for frequent alignments | Lower unless rarely needed |
| Convenience | Can align anytime | Pay per service |
How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?
Firestone recommends aligning your wheels every 6,000 miles or twice a year. However, you may need alignments done more frequently if:
- The dirt and the road are not maintained well and have a lot of potholes.
- The area has bad weather, like snow, rain, and ice.
- Your car begins pulling to one side, which results in tire wear.
If you have a Lifetime Alignment plan with Firestone, you would not have to worry about paying extra to adjust them for alignment.
Final Verdict: Should You Get Firestone Lifetime Alignment?
Firestone’s Lifetime Alignment is an amazing offer for people who want to keep their cars for long periods of time. It is an incredible asset for someone needing consistent alignments because it saves money, performs better, and increases the life of the tires.
On the other hand, if you do not require constant alignments or if you do plan on selling the car, then a one-time alignment is ideal.
This service is especially beneficial for high-mileage drivers who frequently experience misaligned issues. It pays for itself after 2-3 alignments, which makes it worth considering, especially if a Firestone is nearby.
