Got some brand new tires. I did my research and came to two conclusions.

1. One don't always need an alignment when you get new tires. No where does it say that this is a requirement. The tire shop just want you to spend more $$$. "If it's not broken, there is no need to fix it."

2. Just because a car drive straight is not an indication that the wheels are aligned. You may still need an alignment even if the car drives fine.

The tire shop said nothing in the past. When I replaced the tires, they said nothing about tire wear issues.

So do I need an alignment? I'm a bit confused by these two common responses when the question comes up.

 

Did you look at the tires to see if there was uneven wear anywhere?

I tend to get an alignment with new tires, and also if the tires show the start of wear due to incorrect rear toe (check the tires before each oil change & rotation to see if there are wear issues).

My TL has always driven straight, even when the alignment specs were off, FWIW.

 

The only thing was a bit more wear on the outer edge of the tire. This pattern is on all 4, because of tire rotation.

And the old tires were never over inflated.

 

Get an alignment for all four wheels (only toe is adjustable; caster and camber are not, BTW).

 

Its normal - not required - to get alignment with new tires.
My wife thinks it normal - not required - to get a purse with new shoes.

 

Also just got new tires on 07 MDX. Should I have all four wheels aligned or just the front?

 

Get all four wheels aligned.


Hey, shouldn't you be in the MDX forum section??


Welcome to AZ!