infinitiman96

So I wasn't paying attention pulling out of a parking lot gate at work while it was pouring rain the other day and curbed my rim. The car was barely moving and I noticed immediately when the contact was made but still managed to scrape the spoke on my 19" sport package wheels. Does the car need an alignment now? Worried about having done any suspension damage.

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

Never hurts to have your alignment checked, if car is still tracking true w/ no pulling to the side you're probably OK. That's one of those situations where it's really your call, if it gives you some piece of mind, by all means get the alignment checked.

desertmike680

Youre fine. Just get the touch up paint and clean up the rim! Lol

Varjo

I second what blnewt said, it also depends on how long it has been since your last one. I like to get yearly alignments at least (proper alignment makes the car more fun and helps preserve our expensive tires). If you're coming up on that, it wouldn't hurt to have it done a tad early.

RISKY GUY

iTrader: (9)

It can't hurt, I would rather be on the safe side.
Most shops will give you the printout & if it's off they will advise you.

Ryne

iTrader: (12)

My friend curbed his car and bent the control arm. It's a good idea to get the alignment and components checked.

rmfnla

[QUOTE=Ryne;3774588]My friend curbed his car and bent the control arm. It's a good idea to get the alignment and components checked.[/QUOTE]

Exactly; lots of aluminum parts down there...

cruzmisl

For what it's worth, I had the dealership align my car after new tires, and they can't get it right.

It drove straight before the alignment (old tires & new) and was way off when they were finished. Now it's slightly off. They put it up 3 times and still can't get it right.

I should have just left it alone.

monytx

iTrader: (2)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I haven't been able to get my car aligned properly yet. It's still pulling to the right when the steering wheel is straight.

cruzmisl

Yeah, I learned the hard way.

I might take it to a different shop to see if they can do better. Mine goes to the right a bit too when steering wheel is dead center.

I had it perfectly straight for ~3 years prior to this.

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

The first place I took my lowered G didn't align it properly which lead to rapid tire wear. The second and only place I'll go to now really knows their stuff and takes the time to do it right. I would definitely take those cars to another more specialized shop.

Ryne

iTrader: (12)

It's pretty common to get an alignment and think "OH NO! My car is pulling to the right!" Well roads are pitched to allow the rain to flow off the road and into the curb and this will have an affect on your car as well. Make sure you are on a flat road, probably a parking lot, to determine if your car is pulling due to the alignment, or the road.

rmfnla

Exactly; I always find a nice level parking lot...

Jordo

If you were driving at low speeds (< 5 MPH), it's highly unlikely you need an alignment.

If you hit the curb hard, it's possible, but more likely the wheel itself would be damaged (out of round) than anything.

orson8888

better check your tire, the impact could damage it. i wouldnt worry about susp.