tires
 

Just bought 4 new tires for my Nissan Altima from discount tires. I took them to the dealer for installation and they said a wheel alignment is necessary why? The tires are mounted then balanced that's it correct? I could understand if I had suspension work done. The mechanic claims even though the tires are the same size as the old ones things could still be off requiring the alignment thoughts?

If they are good tires, but certainly not great tires, you do not need the alignment.

He may have said that based on the wear pattern of the old tires. If they wore down evenly across the tread then you don’t need an alignment.

Unless you have some abnormal wear patterns no need for an alignment.

Unless they are the same exact brand / model of tire currently on the car they are probably not the same "size".

The same "size" in different brands don't all measure exactly the same.

I think the only thing that might affect is camber but so minimally as to not even think about it even once.

Maybe if the car is staggered which an Altima is not.

But I have never had anyone recommend an alignment unless they noticed abnormal wear on the tires being replaced.

"Things could be still off..." means he has no idea if they are or not and lacking specific visible indications of wear indicating an alignment is needed he is FOS.

I think if there was a wear issue, he would have pulled the op over and said something like "hey look- your previous set was worn on the inside to the cord/ etc...."

But he didn't, he stated that even though the tires are the same size, things 'could' still be off.

I would check the wear myself, and assuming there is no abnormal wear issue, call them out on it, and find another place.

Tires
 

I thought so! The new tires are the same brand/size as the old ones, plus I never saw the car go on an alignment machine. The only reason I went to the dealer is because of worry about the TPMS valve stems. Lesson learned once mounted and balanced that's it/enough.

If you are referring to Discount Tire based in Scottsdale (founded by Bruce Halle), the reason they didn't put your vehicle on an alignment machine is because the stores don't have alignment machines because they don't do alignments or any other vehicle repair.

Not their business model...

Considering that alignments are not revenue generating, I would guess there was a reason why they suggested the alignment check.

DL

MAGA

Tires
 

Sorry for the confusion this was a Nissan dealership I went to for service along with an oil change. I knew/suspected that I didn't need an alignment but the mechanics talk threw me off. If there is no uneven wear on the old tires and steering/suspension is ok and unadjusted the alignment is unnecessary.

[Not their business model...Considering that alignments are not revenue generating, I would guess there was a reason why they suggested the alignment check.]

It generated over $100

You are aware that most dealership "service advisors" work on a commission, aren't you?

Yes that's why I refused the induction service and brake fluid change advice.

I'm confused on why you didn't have DT mount them? The local DT shops here go above and beyond to make customers happy. They are a great outfit...here in SoCal. Free rotations, pressure checks, etc...

Oh yes and saved $130 on the same tires they sell at the dealership by going to discount tires. I just slipped up a little guys.

If you buy online and go to discount tires outlet they charge... go to website. I think only tirerack mounts for free. They did when I took the 911 to Indiana.

Unless they are for a well set-up 944!

^^
+1 Great people, Very helpful & Good selection of tires.

I run my hand over the worn tires and the feel should be the same from left to right. You can feel scalloping, as they call it, when rubbing it one particular way feels different. Sort of a sharp edge to the tread pattern on one side. And of course the obvious worn on the inside and not the outside etc.

I'm a believer in wheel alignments but I go to a specialist wheel aligner.

I have a great relationship with my Firestone store nearby, I always have them do an alignment check when I get new tires. Alignments can shift over time with curbs, potholes, and wear, why wear out new tires faster than you have to? I’d say maybe 50% of the time it’s far enough off that I need it done. I get the before and after printout so I know they are being honest with me, and it’s a shop that I trust so that helps.

This is why I do my own work on my cars, just too many dishonest shops out there. I even got my own tire changer about 10 years ago. I mount the new tires up that I buy on the web, then take them to a buddies shop and he lets me use the spin balancer. But every once in a while you still have to mount them up by hand! These are the new tires for my Unimog, too big for a machine. These get liquid tire balancer in them.

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