AboutBarry Smith Expertise I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and
testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800"
number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually
without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but
please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of
my work experience.
Experience Member SAE (Society of Automotive
Engineers)
Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization)
SCCA Regional Competiton License holder
Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.
Expert: Barry Smith Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: tires, alignment, Mazda 3
Question I went to a tire & repair place for new tires and alignment. After they had put on the tires & worked on alignment, they told me the car (Mazda 3) does not allow rear tires to be aligned so that they are straight up--after maximum adjustment there's still negative camber. They offered (for lots more $) to install 2 after-market parts that will extend the original parts so that the tires can be straight up. Without this I'll have greater wear on the insides of the rear tires. I talked to the parts dept at the dealer where I bought the car & they've never heard of this. 1) Is what the tire people told me, true? 2)If so, isn't it unethical of them to have givn me the estimate for tires & alignment without mention of this problem, and to have sold me tires whose warranty most likely won't be honored if I don't get this extra part?
Answer Barbara,
1) Yes, there are kits that will allow for increased range of adjustments for alignment - especially camber. I'm surprised that the guys at the Mazda parts place don't know about them - but maybe that's because Mazda doesn't offer these - they should!
2) No, it is not unethical to not mention it before hand. These parts are only necessary if the allowable adjustment doesn't bring the car into "spec". The tire place would not have known that before hand. Besides they only told you about it - they didn't install the part, then charge you for it. It would have been unethical to not mention that your car may need this part to keep the tire warranty.
As an example, if you had only purchased the tires and not an alignment - and the tires wore funny because of the alignment being off - would that have been unethical??
Sounds to me like you got good service. They didn't do anything you didn't ask them to do, and they warned you about a potential problem.
