Just replace all 4 tires..do I need an alignment?

[docdyh]

Just replaced all 4 tires. do I need an alignment even if i don't notice any specific problems? thanks. b tw-the tire shop couldn't do it..as they did not have the right equiptment whatever that means...

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

In a word - Absolutely you need an alignment.

New Tires are a major expense, one which you'll have for many months, years and want to protect. I always factor an alignment into the cost of new Tires.

The Tire's wear patterns are established quickly, I'd have a 4-wheel alignment done w/o delay, if all is OK, then the value is establishing a known baseline as your new Tires go into service. What kind did you get? Size? Price?

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[EPIQTodd]

Well, I'm on the other side of the coin, and rather significantly so...

I change my tires every time I go to the track, essentially, as I have a set of track wheels, and I haven't had my alignment done since I first had it adjusted for more negative camber and had the GT3 control arms installed...

To me, more damage is seen on my tires from my driving than my alignment, even my street tires on street driving. For me, if I got an alignment every time I changed my tires (not the track ones, just the street ones) I"d also pansy out on driving the balls out of the car (within reason and in the bounds of safety of course!) anytime I have the opportunity...

[eslai]

Ah, but that's a slightly different situation. If you're like most joes here you're only changing your tires every uh... what, 15,000 to 20,000 miles? That's plenty of time for your alignment to go out-of-whack.

[docdyh]

Thanks for the opinions..I plan on getting an alignment done. I got Continental SportContacts: 22540ZR18 (fronts) cost $195 each, 26535ZR18 (rears) cost me $272 each, with $88 (labor) total mount, balance and road hazard. Had Perrellis before and these are much quieter which is my preference.

BTW..what "special tool" is required for alignment that my tire shop did not have? They told me that they did not want to do " a half ass job" so did not do it.

[docdyh]

btw..please don't tell me where I could have gotten them cheaper..I don't mind supporting local businesses that treat me well. thanks.

[Brucelee]

Do the alignment.

[unklekraker]

Originally Posted by docdyh

btw..please don't tell me where I could have gotten them cheaper..I don't mind supporting local businesses that treat me well. thanks.

Do the alignment...
oh my gosh..you could have bought it at....j/k
I think the shop was talking about the Hunter equipment.

[docdyh]

thanks for feedback..there is a local shop with hunter machine..much less than dealer.

[RandallNeighbour]

Your tire prices are right in line with what you would have paid at Tire Rack... rest easy, my friend.