Erik_Cdn

Just wanted to know if you need to get a wheel alignment when you change wheel size.

I had my 17" wheels on for winter (235/45/17), and just changed to my summer set-up, 18" wheels (245/40/18). If I need to get an alignment because of the new wheel size, that means that I would have to get it done twice a year (once when I put on the 17" in the fall, and once again when I put on the 18" in the spring...) that seems a bit excesive (and expensive!)

thks.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Most people will tell you that you don't need an alignment. As long as your suspension hasn't been messed with, your tire pressures are good, and you are not pulling right or left, you are in the clear.

However, that is different than my opinion. You are not only changing rim diameters, but tire size as well. The car will sit at a slightly different height. So, if I were you, yes, I would get an alignment. It is recommended that an alignment be performed on your car every 6K miles. Regarding the cost, yes, I do agree it can put a dent in your pocket book. This is what I did: I purchased a lifetime alignment from Firestone. They do a good job, and I can even be there next to the tech to tell him exactly what toe angle/caster, etc., that I want the alignment to be set at. It cost me $169.99 USD. If you get 3 alignments, that will already be more than worth that price. But since I have a lifetime alignment, I get get 365 4-wheel alignments a year if I would like, and they have no problem with that. It is a good investment, and prevents uneven tire wear.

Remember, when tires wear uneven, it doesn't matter what you do, including alignment, your car will not roll straight.

Erik_Cdn

thanks for your reply. I'll have to look and see if I can find a place that offers lifetime alignments here in Canada... So you're suggesting that I get an alignment in the spring (18" go on) and again in the fall (17" go on), right?

Also, would the specs for the alignment be the same both times? Or is there different settings for 18" wheels vs. the stock 17"???

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

As long as you don't change your suspension settings, i.e. lowering, the specs should stay the same!

Erik_Cdn

Sounds good, thanks!

rodneyc77

iTrader: (1)

if you change the width of the wheels and tires (specially if the offset of the wheels changed)... then the alignment WILL be OFF... mainly because the overall geometry have been altered in terms of where the tires contact the road... so just get an alignment...

When was the last time you got your alignment checked??? if it was more than a year ago and the roads in your area have pothole etc... I would go get an alignment for that reason too...

Erik_Cdn

Roads are pretty bad here and its been over a year... so I will get one done soon... but I'm a bit concerned about getting it done twice a year (every time I change my wheels).

The width of the wheels are the same (8 x 17 vs. 8 x 18) and the offset is the same (my 18" are the A-Spec wheels), but the tires are wider (245 vs. 235). So am I changing the overall geometry with this set-up (same wheel width, same offset, but different tire width)???

rodneyc77

iTrader: (1)

since your wheels are the same... the 10mm difference in tire width shouldn't affect the alignment dramatically to get you in the red... but to be safe... since you just purchased new tires... get your alignment check... just for peace of mind...

Erik_Cdn

Perfect thanks, I'll get it done shorlty!