Is wheel alignment needed?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Go-Green-Pal, Mar 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

  1. Go-Green-Pal

    Go-Green-Pal Member

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    I have a Toyota Prius 3, bought new in 2018. It is now time for me to change tires. I don't drive much and have put only 31,000 miles on it so far. I have two questions about this process.

    When I get the new tires installed, they do the mounting and balancing. I was wondering as to whether I must perform Wheel Alignment at that time. I have never done wheel alignment in this car before. I don't know what is the recommended period (in miles or years) after which it should be done. If it does not have to be absolutely done, is it still a good idea to do it anyway when installing new tires. I don't see a "need" for wheel alignment as it is not the case that my car is pulling on one side or shows other related signs. I guess if I do it, it will be only as a general maintenance or preventive measure.

    Also, some tires come with "free tire rotations" as long as I have those tires on my car. I am not sure whether this offer means, I can get the tires rotated at any shop that I like or it should be done only at a Toyota Dealer or it should be done only at the place where I am purchasing the new tires.
     
    #1 Go-Green-Pal, Mar 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Not necessary unless the tires show uneven wear or seriously pull. Toyota front ends are solid, my 2012 v "could" use sway bar links at 320k miles and they were just called out at my last dealer oil change. If suspension or steering parts are removed it's a good idea to align. They don't do much except front wheel toe adjustments so find a low cost (maybe 50% of a dealer cost ) alignment shop if you need it.

    The shop you buy the tires from would rotate free and most good places like Costco or Sam's will balance and repair for free. It's a good deal when you figure the cost of rotations and balances x15 over the tire's life. Rotating by the book is usually every 5k miles and will extend tire life maybe 10k miles additional.
     
    #2 rjparker, Mar 12, 2025 at 7:09 PM
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2025 at 7:17 PM
  3. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Waiting until your tires show uneven wear to have the alignment checked is like waiting until the oil light comes on to check your oil. Get it checked.
     
    #3 frodoz737, Mar 12, 2025 at 7:21 PM
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    IMHO; it's like insurance for your new set of tires investment. If they start wearing unevenly because of an alignment issue it isn't covered under your new tire warranty. It definitely needs to be done if your old tires are showing uneven wear. Fix the problem before it chews into the new tires too.

    Hope this helps....
     
    #4 BiomedO1, Mar 12, 2025 at 7:58 PM
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  5. Go-Green-Pal

    Go-Green-Pal Member

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    I am not replacing tires because they are worn off. As I already mentioned, I have driven very low number of miles. The tread is in good shape. However, due to the age of the tires, they are dry rotting and therefore I am forced to replace them now. Perhaps I should have mentioned it in the OP itself.
     
    #5 Go-Green-Pal, Mar 12, 2025 at 10:51 PM
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Again, the answer is no. Your existing tires are proof enough, especially at your low mileage.

    Some Toyota dealers around here have free alignment checks in the service entrance driveway. But I would not make a special trip and personally would buy tires where you get free rotations and tire inspections every 5k.
     
    #6 rjparker, Mar 13, 2025 at 12:04 AM
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