Purchased a set of new tires for my 2013 Prius V (and got a 4-wheel alignment) at my Toyota Dealership. I noticed that there were two charges in the "misc" category: 5.99 - Reg/Hazmat/STD Disposal Fee 33.82 - Regulatory Complaince/Expendables Now I know that there is Tire recycling fee -- but here in Virginia that is only .50 per tire. I can't figure what it was about just replacing tires and doing an alignment requires an additional $40 in charges. I'm going to question the dealer but curious if there is something I just don't know. In looking back at past service, those line items typically are there for much cheaper, but I assumed it had to with fluids, etc. Thanks
I got a new key for our daughter's vehicle, they need to program it, not quite as complicated/expensive as the Prius, but getting there. Anyway, the service writer tells me, somewhat conspiratorially, that he was being a nice guy, waiving the "shop supplies" fee. I should bloody hope so. Anyway, per @Air_Boss: a lot of it is just a cash grab. With tires there's some mandated recycling fees, but the rest is bs. The new one is TPMS refurb.
That was your first mistake. Dealers charge excessive amounts for tires, and you didn't need the alignment in the fist place. The money you would have saved at a good tire shop far exceeds the junk fees the dealer charged.
Usually Costco, Sams or Discount Tire will easily beat dealer prices. Costco throws in nitrogen, $70 rebates and rotations.
$70 rebates at the till, at least up here. So sales tax is reduced, and no delays/hassles. Someone was saying it's not quite the same in the States?
For what it's worth, I did price out the tires against Tire Rack, Costco, NTB, etc. Dealer was having a Buy 4, get one free deal (which extended to mounting). So price was competitive with or beat most options. Costco in my area seem to have crap ratings on the labor side and while I could have eventually found a good local tire shop, time/schedule was not in my favor. I'll definitely be in touch with the dealer about their slush fund though ;-)
1st, seriously, the fact the dealer suggested it means you don't need it. These cars almost never need alignment. Unless you note odd tire wear or handling/tracking issues - its fine. Some shops will check it for free if you're getting other work done - like new tires. You should have gotten a complete report on the alignment telling you what the measurements were before and after and what the tolerance is.
Rear toe and camber are adjustable, but only via the use of thin plastic flanges inserted in an intricate and time-consuming rebuild of each hub. Unlike front alignment, which is standard tie rod and eccentric upper/lower MacPherson mounting bolt stuff.
