Is an Alignment Necessary When Replacing Tires?

[esmith818]

I recently purchased a 2019 RAM 1500 from an online seller. When I took it to my local dealer for a purchase inspection, they said that the front, right tire was previously patched and had a slow leak which would require a new tire to fix (I can confirm the leak since tire dropped 3 PSI overnight while others were unchanged). They are also suggesting replacement of both tires on the front axle at the same time. As part of that repair, they are recommending a 4-wheel alignment.

I have been a loyal Discount Tire customer for years. I can get the same tires (Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT) for $20 less per tire. But DT doesn't do alignments. Do I really need a 4-wheel alignment to replace the front tires or is this just a dealer trying to up sell me? He claims a 2-wheel alignment uses the same process and I may as well address all 4 while it's on the lift.

I also noticed in another thread that alignments may be covered under warranty. The truck has 30k and is still under factory warranty. In the event an alignment IS necessary, should I be questioning who covers that expense?

 

[securityguy]

Never necessary unless you were experiencing wear issues. I have never had to have one done.

 

[cervelo15]

Agree with Securityguy.....I've had 2 tires replaced on my previous Ram and never had it aligned after the tire replacement.

 

[DomW]

I would only have a vehicle alignment done is if it hit something hard in the road like a large pothole or chunk of firewood. Although a shop did do a check with a system that checks all four wheels on my Lotus Exige as part of an overall check-up. I trust them to do it right and only if needed.