I took off the wheels on my Boxster this morning to replace the pads/rotors and noticed this pattern of tire contact (see attached photos).
It appears that most of the tire contact is on the innermost portion of the tire and hardly any on the outer shoulder (as you can see from the dirt/gravel coating on the tires). The lefts and the rights on each axle look exactly the same.
Is this normal or do I need an alignment?
The tires are brand new fronts/rears Michelin Pilot Sport 2's with about 750 miles on them (225/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rear). I went a little wider than stock on the front to slightly reduce the built-in understeer.
Had the tires mounted and balanced professionally but did not touch the alignment. The car tracks perfectly straight and there is no steering wheel vibration or shimmy even up to 100mph.
I drive the car daily and plan to take it to the track for DE about 2-3 times a year, not to race but just to drive it faster than I can on the street.
Thanks to all - this site (and the Pelican Parts site) has helped me immeasureably since I bought my Boxster and I can't say thanks enough.