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Well, it was finally time to get some new tires so I bit the bullet and did it. Not overly thrilled (19" tires cost a fair amount). They did a free alignment check and such. Once it was done, they informed my my left front tire was out of alignment. The toe was -0.04 degrees and it's listed as should be from 0-0.2 degrees. I don't feel any typical issues you'd have when your alignment is off. This report was also done by the same guy who checked off that it was suggested I get my oil changed soon (even though I get synthetic and my last change was less than 900 miles ago) because he just looked at the service tag Sears had put up and misread it.
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"I've found that when you want to know the truth about someone, that someone is probably the last person you should ask." - House -
That amount of toe off is IMHO not worth bothering with. As long as both tires are still toed in, and they're not at some absurd angle, you're pretty good to go. Make sure the car tracks straight, and if so that's more than good enough.“There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old’s life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged.
One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world.
The other, of course, involves orcs." -- John Rogers -
Buy a tread gauge, and a small notebook.
Every week (ideally), and every month (at worst), write down for each tyre the gauge measurement for the outer tread, middle tread and inside tread.
If things are perfect, the wear should be the same for all three.
If the middle wears faster than both outer treads, let a little air out.
There's also a pattern that means underinflation, but it's been a while since I drove and I'd have to look it up.
However, if outside tread wears faster than inside, or inside than outside, your alignment is off enough to affect your car. It also is damaging your tyre.
This is not a perfect measurement technique, and it's not supposed to replace regular servicing by a skilled mechanic. However, it is a way to get early warning, and to check things yourself.Seshat's self-help guide:
1. Would you rather be right, or get the result you want?
2. If you're consistently getting results you don't want, change what you do.
3. Deal with the situation you have now, however it occurred.
4. Accept the consequences of your decisions.
"All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools." - Anders, Dragon Age.Comment
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Both tread edges wear more rapidly than the center if it's underinflated.Quoth Seshat View PostComment
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You think 19" tires are expensive? Try an XZA3+ in 11R22.5.
As for alignment, I've heard that BMWs, Mercedes, and Lexuses (Lexi?) tend to be Chaotic Evil.
Any fool can piss on the floor. It takes a talented SC to shit on the ceiling.Comment
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I can try underinflating them a little But 35psi is what Ford recommends.Quoth Seshat View Post"I've found that when you want to know the truth about someone, that someone is probably the last person you should ask." - HouseComment
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