I bought a set of tires. Installation included a free alignment check. The cost of an alignment was substantial. I told the manager to call me if he thought I needed one, and tell me what his check had measured. He seemed baffled.
When I picked up the car, he said the alignment checked out, but I should bring the car back in a few weeks in case it had gone out. I asked why he thought it would go out shortly after a check. I didn't get a convincing answer.
Is a free check a gimmick to sell an alignment for a car that's within specs but not perfect? Maybe he thought I wouldn't spring for an unnecessary alignment on top of the cost of the tires, but I might be convinced later. How do you get a reliable check?