Replacing tires -- is a wheel alignment necessary?

[bookrats]

I'm planning on replacing my stock Prius tires with Hydroedges (ala John1701a), but a question has occured to me:

Do I need to get the wheels aligned after all four tires are replaced, or is it OK to just have them balanced?

I know I'm supposed to have the option for a free alignment (from the warranty) in the first 12 months, but I think I'm just going to miss the deadline.

Thought I'd check with more experienced car owners and find out what you think.

[tumbleweed]

Balancing is, of course, absolutely essential when you replace a tire. If your old tires have worn evenly, if you have no handeling problems, if the steering is OK, well maybe you could get by without an alignment. But why take the chance, for the sake of your new tires have it checked at least. I always have an alignment done, or checked, whenever I buy new tires.

[galaxee]

after meeting my husband i've never replaced tires without doing an alignment. of course, he was usually the one replacing the tires and aligning the wheels, so this really only cost me discounted tire price.

but if i were paying for everything, i'd still do it that way.

tires cost more to replace than alignments cost to do. you don't want bad wear on your new tires.

[andyprius]

One way to tell is: Bring your speed up to at least 85MPH, there should be no vibration shimmy, shake, wander, pulling, etc. Going across country in an isolated desert freeway, I took my 05 Prius up to 105MPH, and found surprisingly it was rock solid and very smooth. New tires are always balanced with installation and a front-end alignment may or may not be necessary. How does the car ride with the OEM tires? That all being said the advice previous to mine is also correct.

[Charles Suitt]

It's YOUR CALL... however

In my case, I would never install new tires (I always install 4 unless I have an unrepairable single when the other 3 are in good shape), and *Always* have alignment checked/adjusted and tires balanced. Usually, I go for the "thrust" (4-wheel) alignment. One frustrating thing - sloppy alignment techs who do not get the steering wheel properly centered.

Of course, this also makes a good case to rotate the tires every 5,000 miles and maintain proper tire pressures - 40/38 for me. I keep a small 12v compressor and high quality analog tire gauge aboard to check the pressure every 2-3 weeks, usually when I hand wash.