I'll be needing new rear tires soon on my R AWD, just replaced the fronts a couple weeks ago due to dealer-caused tire/wheel damage. Dealer refused to replace all 4 as a set because Jaguar specifies in the user manual for the F-type that replacing all 4 tires as a set is recommended but not required, despite the AWD driveline. Jaguar charges a full $100 per tire more than they're available for at tire shops like Tire Kingdom, so for the rears I'm thinking about using Tire Kingdom for the tires and an alignment package. Question is, can shops like TK be trusted with alignments on these cars? Anyone have any insights there? I know there's going to be some risks involved, especially with the Blade wheels. But the mechanic kids at the JLR dealer damaged my wheel/tire too, so I feel there's a risk either way and TK will save me probably $400 just on the two rear tires with alignment package (over $100 per tire for 295/30ZR20, and around $100+ on the alignment package). Anyone have inputs/experience here?

 

Negligence transcends and can be found anywhere - the notion that high-end car dealers have all high-end and careful people is incorrect. That said, accidents happen even to careful people. I have been having the majority of my custom wheel and tire work done by Discount Tire - doesn't hurt that they are like literally 2 minutes from my house, but their service is great, the guys there are car nuts and always treat my rides well. As far as alignment, I had mine done at the dealer - paid about $40 more than an independent but they have the gear that is buried in the floor and my car is lowered so I didnt have to worry about having issues getting on a lift. Even after the drop, it drove very straight, but always good to be cautious so I had it aligned, plus I figure my new tires might last a bit longer if it is 100% straight vice 85% or so - assuming the Jag tech actually got it straight.

 

We had ours aligned at a Mavis Tire (LARGE chain in the northeast). I cheated tho', my brother in law is a manager there and put his best guy on it. Cost was $~150.

Too soon to see if the irregular tire wear is fixed... (rears to cords @ 16K miles, fronts @ 23K)

 

My dealer is in a very new facility and has a recent state of the art alignment system. Assuming they have a tech trained on it I would use them even if a little more expensive.

 

Mine too, it looks super fancy, but the technology cannot overcome a muppet's ability to hose things up. I have some of the nicest drums in the world, but I cant make them sound like the guys on the radio......... no talent hack with the best gear is still a no-talent hack

 

My previous XKR developed a wiring fault that required the dealer to drop the back axle to get at it (under warranty - didn't fancy paying for 6 hours at main dealer labour rates) and when I got it back the rear alignment was completely screwed up - the car crabbed like a, well, crab. Took it to a local expert who sorted it out perfectly for 60 of our British pounds. Always use a specialist for specialist things - they do it day in, day out.

 

X2

Would you rather have a tech who does one alignment a week, or 3 a day?

If you REALLY want an accurate alignment (and perhaps, one 'biased' towards a certain goal, like either good steering response, less oversteer, or longer tire life), ask around for a shop that sets up cars for the track. (I know of a couple here in north NJ)

 

I know of such a place in MA, though I’ve never been there. Still running on the factory alignment 7 years later.

 

I had a dealer alignment done as part of a bigger body work repair and it still is spot on, done in '15.