I got my 2010 TL SH-AWD 6MT in November and have put over 5000 miles on it so far. I couldn't find any information on the Acura Owners website about alignment and rotation & balance intervals. What should I do? I used to get alignment, rotation, and balance on my Toyota Avalon every 5K miles because it actually felt like I needed it. On the Acura, I don't have any vibration on the highway and it doesn't seem to drift either way and I have almost 5100 miles on the odometer. Any info/opinions will be appreciated!

 

MID will tell you when to rotate.

Alignment is very dependent on what happens to the car. Hitting a bunch of potholes, etc, may not require an alignment, theoretically, only if you hit them hard enough to bend metal and change the alignment. Watch your tires for abnormal wear, that is probably the best indicator. Also, if you experience steering issues, check the alignment. Of course, if any components are changed, suspension, steering, tie rods, etc., get the car aligned. New tires, get the car aligned.

If you want to be more regular, you could say every three MID oil changes or so, but that is more for peace of mind.

 

Usually, if you don't experience any veering or uneven tire wear, you're fine.

But, since you're still under warranty, you can take your car back to the stealer and ask them to perform one for you at no charge.

In any case, I'd recommend getting one done when new tires are installed.

 

Unless another driver in the car has driven it deep into a pot hole and not told you about it, you do not need an alignment every 5K. Most shops will check the alignment for a reasonable price $15-35, if you are concerned that you may need one.

 

Tire rotation is normally associated with the "B" service. In fact, it's about the only thing the "B" service calls for.

 

Check your tire wear. My old '97 Maxima with 270,000 was never aligned. Tires wore even all the time. I know the TL has fancier linkages but I would not do one unless there are some apparent problems like the one mentioned above.

 

i rotate my tires every 5k miles...i cant remember the last time i had an alignment done to a car i have owned....

 

I was told Acura recommends alignment every 15,000 miles by service techinician. I did not receive notice on maintenance minder at that point.

 

They say that to get $100 from you. You don't need alignment at every 15k unless you hit something bad.

 

alignment...pretty much get it done when ^^^ see above recommendations, smacked major pothole, drifting, vibrations, suspension changes, tires. check for tire wear. the every 15K, is a DEALER recommended service, not acura. i have read some guys never having their alignment done, but always had even tire wear.

i'm not sure about how finicky the 4G's alignment is, but if its similar to the 3G, it'll be finicky. if the toe is out even a little bit, your car will eat the tires.

if you're really that concerned about it, then get the firestone lifetime alignment deal for like $150. then you can get all the alignments you want.

in terms of your rotation, it is part of the "B" service or code "1". sometimes they will come together, other times not. the dealer will charge you like $20-30 for the rotation. the B service does include an oil and filter change along with a number of inspections done to the car (suspension, axles, brakes, etc.).