What is the deal with insight alignments?

insightbuyer · 10-26-2011, 05:00 PM

I just put new bridge stone tires on my car and did not get an alignment. What I did notice was those little rubber strings or whatever they are called when the tires are new, wore much faster on my front drivers side wheel. After like 300-400 miles I was keeping my eye on them to see if any tire was wearing quicker. Actually it was surprising that these things are still there after that many miles.

The Front passenger tire wore those off almost completely, while the other tires still have maybe 25% to 50% left. This tells me that my alignment must not be correct. What surprises me is that the car seems to drive very straight, remarkably straight actually compared to other cars I have driven. It almost seems like I would not need one if it was not for noticing this quicker wear on that tire.

What i do not understand is there is almost no talk on here about alignments. Even when people talk about maxing out gas mileage, they say nothing about checking the alignments. Why is this? Do alignments not play an important role in these cars? Anybody notice increased gas mileage with a proper alignment?

From my experience with sports cars, an improper alignment will wear the tires as much as 25-50% faster. At $200 a tire for those cars, it is way important.

How often do you guys get alignments on your cars? Any special tips I should do when getting a proper alignment? I will get it done at my brothers shop so will be with the guy when doing it.

diamondlarry · 10-26-2011, 05:09 PM

I bought my Insight in May of 2010 and had the alignment checked in July of that year after putting on a new set of tires. High fuel economy, as well as long tire life, is very important to me so I will probably have it checked again late next spring at the end of pothole season. Every other year is what I shoot for on my vehicles.

insightbuyer · 10-26-2011, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamondlarry

I bought my Insight in May of 2010 and had the alignment checked in July of that year after putting on a new set of tires. High fuel economy, as well as long tire life, is very important to me so I will probably have it checked again late next spring at the end of pothole season. Every other year is what I shoot for on my vehicles.

So was it out of alignment when you had it checked? If so, by how much?

diamondlarry · 10-26-2011, 06:01 PM

Since my son was the one running the alignment machine/computer, I'll have to ask to verify but, I think everything was in tolerance and no adjustments were needed. The only unknown is when or if the previous owner (he was the second owner) had it checked. If everything looks good this spring, I may go a little longer before the next check.

Eli · 10-26-2011, 06:24 PM

Be aware that the Insight has very odd alignment specs. Make sure you find them and print them out for the shop. Also, get a before and after reading.

Alignment is important to fuel economy, but these cars don't seem to misalign easily.

Willie Williford · 10-26-2011, 10:16 PM

Insightbuyer:
The "rubber strings" wearing more on one side than the other probably means you favor (or are faster or braver) turning one way vs the other, mainly on the front. Make sure the inflation pressure is similar on both wheels. My Insight has over 289000 miles and no alignment has ever been done. Tire wear is like all other INSIGHTS. More on the outside/inside than the middle. All normal.
HTH
Willie

insightbuyer · 10-26-2011, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Williford

Insightbuyer:
The "rubber strings" wearing more on one side than the other probably means you favor (or are faster or braver) turning one way vs the other, mainly on the front. Make sure the inflation pressure is similar on both wheels. My Insight has over 289000 miles and no alignment has ever been done. Tire wear is like all other INSIGHTS. More on the outside/inside than the middle. All normal.
HTH
Willie

Hmm, you think? I would probably favor making right hand turns sharper as they are safer to do then left hand turns. However, these strings were worn down completly around the middle of the tire, while the others were still pretty much intact.

You could be right because my alignment seems to be very straight.

insightbuyer · 10-26-2011, 11:01 PM

Anyone know how long the suspension lasts on an insight?

Willie Williford · 10-27-2011, 01:20 AM

Too many variables to think about. Some Insighters have reported problems around 100K. Others much later, Mine is still stock and original at 289+.
Search this site for additional info.
HTH
Willie

diamondlarry · 10-27-2011, 04:57 AM

My son, who is the alignment tech where he works, mentioned to keep in mind that the right front tire is the primary drive tire as well and that is more than likely the difference in the faster wear of the rubber strings on that tire.