If you haven't had anything happen that would change the alignment, I think you getting SMOKE BLOWN UP YOUR SKIRT. (Figuratively speaking).

Cya

 

Putting new tyres on a vehicle without a wheel alignment and balance is like changing the engine oil and not the filter. A complete wast of time. Beats me why you would want to put the cheapest tyres on a vehicle like the Treg (heavy) and high speed performance (capable). Doesn't sound like th 'safest' idea.

 

He did not say he wouldn't get the wheels and tires BALANCED.

Nor did he say he was getting the cheapest tire, but rather it was the cheapest place he found locally for the tire he wanted. A VW dealer is typically going to only spec at least more than decent tires for the Touareg, maybe not the best by opinion poles or tests but fine enough.

An alignment is not remotely needed and a total waste of time and money if the car was checked recently and he has not done anything that may change it.

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Imwong, now you should tell us what tire specifically and why you didn't consider ordering from Tire Rack, Discount Tire, or similar. Additionally to get the best help from people on this forum, you really need to list your vehicle in your signature if you aren't stating the specs in your post.
Otherwise people will speculate all day on "what if's"

 

I got four new tires from my VW dealer, and he didn't Breathe a word about "alignment" to me. Vehicle still drives straight and true.... tires are now on 14K miles and they seem to be wearing evenly enough.

It's called padding the bill.

Good luck with your new tires!

 

Seems like I'm on my own here, but...

I tend to agree with the dealer. I ALWAYS have the alignment checked when putting new rubber on. I rotate tyres every 5,000km and check alignment every 15,000km (just before or after a service) or just before a long trip. This goes for all my cars. I always try to coincide a tyre change with one of these checks. This prevents me from paying for an alignment job "unnecessarily".

Just because you can't feel the vehicle not driving straight does not necessarily mean the alignment is correct. Also, a car's alignment DOES go out over time, regardless of whether you've been off-road/driven through a pothole etc.

Dec was 8 MONTHS ago. It's a long time to go without an alignment check IMO. I obviously don't have a clue what an alignment job is supposed to cost in the US, but $99 seems like a rip-off to me.

BTW, I'd never have a set of tyres fitted/alignment checked by a dealer. Over here we have wheel/tyre specialist shops and they know a lot more about tyres than the dealer. They're also normally a lot cheaper.

 

I go with andriek

 

Thanks for the help guys. The tires will be mounted and balanced as part of installation. I'm holding off on alignment until next scheduled service check. My Touareg is a CPO 2006 V6, bought in 12/08 with brand new tires installed then (255/60/17). I bought a set of Terras off ebay for $600 shipped! I went with the Michelin Latitude HP, VW dealer sold for $260 each (Tirerack is $283, other local tire stores >$300), plus they have free nail fix/replacement 1 year and free rotations for life...

Just got a call from the dealer saying the Touareg is ready to be picked up!

Now I just need a set of center caps for these wheels...$31 at the dealer (before 15% accessory discount). Hmmm...any other options?

 

Personally, if you believe your alignment is still good, don't worry about it. In my experience (not with my touareg), if you hit a huge pot-hole, or go off-roading and nail something hard, it 'could' possibly change your alignment, and affect your steering. If you know your vehicle, and trust it's still good, then leave it.

 

The car looks and runs great! I went with vwpartsdepartment.com for the OEM center caps, $97 shipped. Cheapest I could find (expensive as hell for 4 plastic caps if you ask me). That's cheapest I found, not the cheapest caps...he he.

 

Next time check www.1stvwparts.com . I have bought a few things from them and prices are better then dealer. Odd thing is that they are a VW dealer in I believe Washington state.

 

Wow, I just checked with 1stvwparts.com. They are cheaper still! I'll have to keep that in mind in the future. Thanks.

 

capitol VW guy here on this forum does pretty good on pricing too I found out.
As soon as I need something i will go there I think