4 wheel alignment - non SC

[gdallas]

Can a 3rd party perform a 4 wheel alignment on the model 3? I'm finding conflicting information online. I really don't trust my local (Edinburgh 35 miles) service centre as they couldn't even balance a wheel correctly previously, so I'm trying to avoid using them as much as possible.

My local wheel alignment specialist said no. Something to do with autopilot I think he said!? Is his concern valid?

Many thanks
G

 

[GeorgeSymonds]

Yes, I've had it done but not every machine seem to have the settings, it took me 3 attempts to find a place with Tesaa in their settings. I don't know if this is because they were just running older software, they'd just not updated it lately, or there was some technical limitation, but there's nothing in principal that stops them.

There are some legislative requirements about working on EVs regarding dedicated working areas for EVs away from ICE. I can't see how a wheel alignment might fall into this category (doing a service, changing coolants, disconnecting the battery etc would be diferent) but a tyre place, (or their insurer), may say they can't because of being overly cautious and running scared of the regs. If you meet one that says no, just move on to the next.

Tesla have tried to blame a wheel alignment for my autopilot failure in the past but that was just rubbish (the car had been fine after the alignment for 2k miles before AP started to fail), there is a steering position sensor that Tesla says should be reset but I imagine thats only in exceptional circumstances and you can manually recalibrate AP now anyway from the menus

 

[gdallas]

Yes, I've had it done but not every machine seem to have the settings, it took me 3 attempts to find a place with Tesaa in their settings. I don't know if this is because they were just running older software, they'd just not updated it lately, or there was some technical limitation, but there's nothing in principal that stops them.

There are some legislative requirements about working on EVs regarding dedicated working areas for EVs away from ICE. I can't see how a wheel alignment might fall into this category (doing a service, changing coolants, disconnecting the battery etc would be diferent) but a tyre place, (or their insurer), may say they can't because of being overly cautious and running scared of the regs. If you meet one that says no, just move on to the next.

Tesla have tried to blame a wheel alignment for my autopilot failure in the past but that was just rubbish (the car had been fine after the alignment for 2k miles before AP started to fail), there is a steering position sensor that Tesla says should be reset but I imagine thats only in exceptional circumstances and you can manually recalibrate AP now anyway from the menus

Oh I read about this steering wheel reset online elsewhere. But someone was saying that the manual states this happens automatically?

 

[rincewind]

Yes. Wheels in Motion in Hertfordshire did mine, spot on and far better than the SC did it. When the SC did it, the car pulled to the left.

 

[gdallas]

Yes. Wheels in Motion in Hertfordshire did mine, spot on and ar better than the SC did it.

Do you know what equipment they used. Was it Hunters?

 

[GeorgeSymonds]

Oh I read about this steering wheel reset online elsewhere. But someone was saying that the manual states this happens automatically?

I just wouldn't worry about it. Alignment, as you probably know, might just be one wheel a bit out due to hitting a pothole, and its better to get it done than not (and I can't help thinking AP would struggle if the alignment was out more than if it has been corrected). My issue was everytime I engaged AP it headed for the hard shoulder of the motorway, but it predayed the days when you could manually calibrate it. I'd get your alignment done where you can and just be careful the first time you try it, but thats probably sensible every time you have any work done

Mines been done by hunters, but as I sadi earlier, some places didn't have the Tesla setting in the databse (they showed me the screens).

 

[Medved_77]

Do you know what equipment they used. Was it Hunters?

I think these guys in Rosyth have the Hunters alignment machine:

https://oneillmtrs.co.uk/

 

[gdallas]

Just nipped backup the place I normally go to in Larbert. He's said there is a software update waiting to be deployed and he thinks it might have Tesla on it now.

He said the reason he doesn't touch them normally is because of something called ADAS. if there was ever to be an accident whereby the cars collision detection system didn't work, he'd be liable because he's interfered with a car when he didn't have permission/insurance to do so.

Anyway, he's taken my number and will call me back later once he's checked tie software

 

[sparkymark75]

I think these guys in Rosyth have the Hunters alignment machine:

https://oneillmtrs.co.uk/

Kwik-Fit in Kirkcaldy also have it. Used them to get my S3 done a couple of years ago.

 

[Dangerous Fish]

Just nipped backup the place I normally go to in Larbert. He's said there is a software update waiting to be deployed and he thinks it might have Tesla on it now.

He said the reason he doesn't touch them normally is because of something called ADAS. if there was ever to be an accident whereby the cars collision detection system didn't work, he'd be liable because he's interfered with a car when he didn't have permission/insurance to do so.

Anyway, he's taken my number and will call me back later once he's checked tie software

It's a suspension alignment. The assistance systems in the car aren't affected in any way. He's FUD spreading. And the Model 3 has been in the Hunter database from before they were even available in the UK. I wouldn't consider using a place who doesn't keep their software up to date.

Having a Hunter is one thing, but you also need a decent operator.

 

[gdallas]

Just phoned my local kwikfit and was told they don't do teslas because they "don't have the stuff for the cameras" was his exact words!

 

[Dangerous Fish]

Just phoned my local kwikfit and was told they don't do teslas because they "don't have the stuff for the cameras" was his exact words!

Is East Kilbride any good for you?

 

[gdallas]

Is East Kilbride any good for you?

I'm alloa. Not too far away. Probably rather find a more local place first though.

 

[Dangerous Fish]

OK if you get stuck I can recommend this place: Automek

 

[gdallas]

Kwik fit Grangemouth saying they can physically do it, but won't, because they don't have the additional equipment to recalibrate all the sensors!

 

[Dangerous Fish]

The KwikFit team:

 

[MrT3]

Do you know what equipment they used. Was it Hunters?

Yes WIM have Hunter alignment equipment, and more importantly know how to use it. They can correct manufacturer issues and set up a vehicle how you want it to behave if you want to deviate from stock settings. I've also know a manufacturer to take their modified settings and adopt them across their dealers to avoid inner tyre wear.

If you've seen the Tesla Gurus handling upgrade Youtube video, the parts were fitted at WIM.

They also have touchless tyre removal machines so they won't damage your rims if you need new tyres.

Sorry, doesn't help you in Scotland though.

 

[Dangerous Fish]

If Automek isn't too far from you I'd say it would be well worth the trip. They have fitted a full suspension upgrade to a Model 3 recently, so they know the car they do setup work on some very expensive and complex cars.

 

[Nick77]

If you have a local Eden Tyres I've always found them very good for alignment. They use Hunters too. Plus their places are alway very clean and professional looking.

 

[DrJFoster]

The assistance systems in the car aren't affected in any way.

That's simply not true, there are 2 steering position sensors that feed into the autopilot, if these are out (because of say alignment) then autopilot will think it's turning to go straight ahead. It's marginal in most cases but to suggest there's none is poor advice.

And while the settings have been available, not every hunter machine is connected to the internet to get updates that regularly, your average tyre monkey isn't an IT support guy..