Alignment with tire change?
07-22-2018, 07:34 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Alignment with tire change?
Probably a topic already discussed at some point, but was wondering if it is necessary to get a alignment when I switch from P-zeroes to the the Michelins PS4s probably later this year. My BMW dealer always recommends I get an alignment when I swap tires, but I never do except occasionally when I go from summers to snows or vice versa and it feels like the car is not running straight. But BMW 4-wheel alignment is only 120$. I'm sure Porsche's is a lot more. 2017 4s.
07-22-2018, 07:39 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
I do not. I'll get one when the car is suggesting that I need one.
07-22-2018, 07:57 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
I had one alignment done by the dealer around 9K when the tires were wearing very odd and and getting LOUD.
Now at 85K all is well..... tires wearing very even and car driving straight as an arrow.
Now at 85K all is well..... tires wearing very even and car driving straight as an arrow.
07-22-2018, 08:23 PM
#5
If your tires were wearing poorly and you were worried about ruining a expensive set of new tires then yes. Otherwise changing tires has nothing to do with alignment.
07-22-2018, 08:32 PM
#6
It depends on where the OP lives. If the road quality is crappy (potholes, frost heaves, etc.) where they live, then an alignment every year is not out of the question.
07-22-2018, 08:44 PM
#7
Nordschleife Master
Got an alignment when I went from Pirrelli to Michelin. Roads here in NY are awful and initial tests showed I was woefully out of spec. Cost was about $300 -$350, IIRC.
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07-22-2018, 08:45 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
I go to a local well respected Porsche race shop for all my cars’ tires. They do not recommend an alignment if the car is not pulling or exhibiting uneven wear. The dealers will automatically suggest an alignment. I do not do them.
07-22-2018, 08:50 PM
#9
Three Wheelin'
This is just a money maker for the dealers. Unless there are issues with current tires - pass. On the other hand, a good balancing is mandatory.
07-22-2018, 10:13 PM
#11
Burning Brakes
I like my local shop I get tires from because the owner is a good guy. With that being said I have no problem with his workers taking the tires on/off my truck and wifes car. When I need new tires for my two 911s or the Cobra I just take them the wheels and leave the car at home on the lift. lol I would prefer to put the wheels on/off myself.
I am in the camp of getting a alignment when driving it or tire wear says you need it., Every tire change especially with the relative low miles we get on a set of tires is excessive in my opinion.
I am in the camp of getting a alignment when driving it or tire wear says you need it., Every tire change especially with the relative low miles we get on a set of tires is excessive in my opinion.
07-22-2018, 11:08 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
If your old tires wore perfectly even and the car and steering wheel are straight and true, with no pulling, it's a no-brainer. Save your money and skip the alignment. Buy yourself a DE day at The track, or a Porsche jacket, or Porsche hat and shirt, and Porsche key ring or color key jacket.
No-Brainer!!
No-Brainer!!
07-23-2018, 11:36 AM
#14
Rennlist Member
My answer would be it depends, even if car feels ok. If you’ve had an alignment in last 1 year or 5k or so probably wouldn’t bother. If longer would spend the $$.
07-23-2018, 11:42 AM
#15
Three Wheelin'
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Interestingly, my Audi dealer will check the alignment for free, and only charge me if it is out of spec and requires adjustment. Seems almost too good to be true but the last time I got tires on my Audi they showed me the report that was in spec and presto, no charge. Perhaps you can find an indy that operates the same way when you have them mount your tires.