The main keyword is RECOMMENDS.

Every sentence in the rest of the paperwork is standard. Everyone prints that. Especially so they don't get sued.
Plus they do not even offer alignments so they make zero money on the RECOMMENDATION.

If you are certain there's no issue, skip the alignment and have a good day.

 

Maybe OP needs to have the alignment checked at a different shop, if Costco spots irregular wear in the tires. Some dealers have free checks with the new Hunter drive-through machines. Many tire shops offer free checks too.

My Costco is pretty good at spotting irregular wear. And when they tell me I just make use of the lifetime alignment at a tire shop.

 

Does anyone know any Phoenix Toyota dealers or independent alignment shops that have those Hunter quick alignment checks?

 

Not sure about the quick check machine but Camelback offers complemtary alignment checks and $20 off you need one (street price should be around $100, depending on location).

Alignment Service Special | Toyota Service Coupon

Use our alignment special inside to save on a Toyota alignment from our team at Camelback Toyota.

www.camelbacktoyota.com

Not sure if the alignment shop caught the tread wear, and that Costco was just seeing prior wear. You can see if it gets worse.

 

Camelback charged me $150 four wheel alignment two years ago only been 15k miles since. They had to redo the alignment twice. Not sure I’d trust them again.

 

That doesn't sound good.

 

If you’re close to cave creek, network alignment and brakes. When my car is done with new suspension and wheels, I am going to see them.

 

Their the ones who said my alignment checks out ok and doesn't charge me. They are really nice and I trust them more then dealer. I just not sure what to think about Costco assessment.

 

Did you have a chance to ask the Costco guy which tire(s) and where is the said "irregular wear"? Sounds like you don't see any. May be post some pictures of your tires? There is always a chance that recommendation is just a standard sentence.

 

The alignment is always recommended when you replace tires. This is as needed service. As you know, defects in the roads cause alignment to be out some. Pot holes are the biggest offender next to curbs.

Even if there’s no change in angles, it’s always a good idea to periodically check them. If it wears on the inside or outside shoulder, then that’s a whole different issue.

 

Just take it under advisement. That’s all you can do for now. Then check the tire wear periodically. When you spot wear is accelerated, then be concerned about alignment.

 

COSTCO won't warranty your tires if they note wear and you don't correct.

 

Haven't aligned my 2010 LE in 180k miles. No issues with tires wearing weird.

 

Took my car to discount tire today. They told me all four tires are wearing evenly at 6/32 so no issues. That’s a relief.

 

Based on this, you can expect another 15K at most from these tires...

 

Look at the alignment readouts yourself, I had a situations where a car's alignment was right on the edge of a spec (camber) and the only way to adjust it was to replace a strut rod which cost ~ $65 (3 decades ago). The Volvo dealership did this about three times before i compared the printouts and realized it was just the measurements that were toggling in and out of spec. by a tiny amount, with nothing changing with the car. We stopped changing the rods and the tires always wore evenly.

I have conventional mechanical calipers (use the end gauge for tread depth) that measures to 0.001 inch, finer than needed but considerably better than something with 1/32in. graduations. Or one can get a high resolution digital tread depth gauge for under $10 that eliminate guess work. Measuring at the same several places around a tire on regular basis will detect uneven wear before there's been the level of damage one can see by eye. This is useful if one doesn't want to pay for an alignment check after each 'event'.

 

COSTCO is just using a $20 amazon depth gauge
uniform wear is what they are tracking...thats it

 

Will Toyota dealership automatically check for alignment when they do the free tire rotation/24 month free maintenance?

 

Doubt it...