going from 12 to 13 inch wheels, alignment needed?

[RossT]

I found a set of 13 inch rims to upgrade my 93 metro. The rims are from a front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage. They are the correct 4.5 inch (114.3mm) bolt pattern, but I am unsure of the offset. They have a rather neat crome center cap too.

Anways, I am going to sand the rims down and refinish them. Question is, do I need an alignment with the different rims on the car?

The tires will be going from 155/80-12 to 175/70-13 so they will be slightly taller and wider. I am going with this size cause there are many more choices available.

I would rather have the alignment done with the 12's on it, cause once I refinsh the 13's I don't wan't them scratched. Everytime I have an alignment done, they always seem to scratch the ouside of the rims where they attach their tools to the rim.

[Johnny Mullet]

I do not think an alignment is needed. I went from 13" to 14" wheels with no issues at all.

[Will Help]

If the offset is too much, the 13 year old wheel bearings may go on you and lean causeing the alignment to be less than quality and cause premature brake pad wear also. Check for play in the front bearings.