Do I need an alignment?

[Lolvoguy]

Car in sig, only 93k miles. Tires seem to be wearing on the outer edge of all four.

Not sure when this started or if it's with the front/ rear tires only as they've been rotated several times.

Car does NOT pull overly in either direction (wheel is straight). No strange noises or clunks from front end.

Any insight greatly appreciated

 

[CharBaby]

Most alignment shops will do FREE alignment checks and give you the printout.

 

[09_GXP]

This site may help. When was the last alignment done? Does the inner edge look fine?

http://www.tirereview.com/reading-tire-wear-patterns/

 

[CT8]

Find a top rated alignment shop and make an appointment.

 

[Malo83]

My local Les Schwab tire store do all my alignments, guys are sharp and don't give you bad news everytime the car goes on the rack, plus their alignments are spot on.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Most alignment shops will do FREE alignment checks and give you the printout.

Maybe it varies by car, but every time I asked a shop (multiple shops) to have alignment "checked" on my BMW, they said that in order to check it, they actually have to perform it, so nothing free.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted By: 09_GXP
This site may help. When was the last alignment done? Does the inner edge look fine?

http://www.tirereview.com/reading-tire-wear-patterns/


"But, it should be noted, the leading cause of outer edge wear on modern vehicles is over-enthusiastic cornering."

guilty as charged

 

[sprite1741]

If you can get it checked free go for it. Most modern cars only have a toe adjustment. You can do that yourself. I haven't been in an alignment shop since I can't remember. Always DIY. Newer cars have a nonadjustable negative camber for cornering improvements. That can lead to inside tire wear. Normal operation.

 

[DeafBrad]

Originally Posted By: sprite1741
If you can get it checked free go for it. Most modern cars only have a toe adjustment. You can do that yourself. I haven't been in an alignment shop since I can't remember. Always DIY. Newer cars have a nonadjustable negative camber for cornering improvements. That can lead to inside tire wear. Normal operation.


I am interested in this. Can you explain the toe adjustment a little? My van is a 2006 Caravan. Would this model only have toe adjustment? I am a diy kind of person and would have satisfaction doing it myself.

 

[dishdude]

Car in sig? Tell the mistress to stop hitting curbs.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Most alignment shops will do FREE alignment checks and give you the printout.

And they almost always show that you need an alignment...

 

[CharBaby]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Most alignment shops will do FREE alignment checks and give you the printout.

And they almost always show that you need an alignment...

Right! However, it is up to us to understand the spec and make a decision on whether or not to have an alignment performed. Meaning, is the alignment out enough to warrant the money spent. In the OP's case, an alignment(& suspension parts check) could be in order!

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Car in sig? Tell the mistress to stop hitting curbs.

Actually it's the Focus. The BMW has no problems with corners