Would tire change eliminate need for tire alignment?

[Dougla$]

While I've always been very good about keeping my Camry serviced (oil chance every 3,000 miles, 3,500 tops), one thing I must confess is that I haven't gotten the tires aligned like I should. (I check air pressure regularly, and have had them rotated a few times, but not aligned ). About a year ago, my car got to where it pulls a bit to the left when driving down the road. It wasn't bad, and my gas mileage didn't decrease, so I didn't worry with it at the time. About a month ago, the tread on my tires was getting pretty worn out, so I had a new set of tires put on. The thing is, my car STILL pulls to the left a bit when going down the road. Am I still in dire need of a tire alignment, or should having a new set put on have solved the pulling-to-the-left problem?

(I know, I'll start having them aligned more often like I'm supposed to).

[MagicRat]

I think you mean wheel alignment.
Generally, cars do not need regular alignments. But you should get an alignment done if you get new tires (even if nothing seems wrong).

Also, if the car starts pulling to one side, get it checked out. It may just need an alignment, or you may have a more serious problem, such as worn steering/suspension parts.

So, yes, take your car in for a check. Don't just ask for an alignment. Describe the problem to them and ask them to inspect the front end. If you are lucky, an alignment will fix the pull. But you might need another repair elsewhere.

Finally, a pull to one side often indicates a problem that will accelerate the wear of your new tires, so get it looked at soon.

[Mike Gerber]

^ MagicRat has given you some good advice here. To add to what he said, when you take your car in to an alignment shop, be sure to tell them the pull was there before and after installing new tires. (Radial tires can sometimes cause a pull.) Then they will understand that it's not the tires causing the pull and will look elsewhere for the problem. Do take the car in shortly as the pull will quicky wear the new tires in an uneven manner. Leaving the car like it currently is may waste the money you spent on the new tires.

Mike