So, you’ve decided to invest in a fresh set of tyres – congrats! It’s a decision that’ll immediately improve the driveability of your vehicle and put a smile on your face every time you slide behind the wheel.
But while new rubber is a win, the real mistake is stopping there. If you don’t check your suspension and steering geometry when those tyres go on, and again at regular intervals, you could be throwing good money after bad.
Why wheel alignment matters, especially on a modified 4WD
If you’re a 4WD owner, I’d bet a case of cold ones that you’ve done a few mods to your rig. In fact, I always say the two best bang-for-buck upgrades you can make on a new 4WD are tyres and suspension. The factory setup has never suited me.
Take my own D-MAX. I’ve upgraded the suspension to something a little stiffer to replace the saggy stock stuff. I need the clearance, especially for those beach runs, and the front end’s carrying a bit more weight now thanks to a steel bull bar, driving lights, alloy bash plates, and a constant 150kg of tools tucked away under the canopy.
That’s all handled nicely by the upgraded suspension, but it also means the vehicle’s geometry has changed. A decent alignment specialist will spot those subtle shifts and tweak things to ensure tyre wear stays even.
Here’s the thing: your average car dealer service centre will generally align your vehicle to factory specs, fine for a stock vehicle, but far from ideal for one loaded up with accessories or running a lift kit. Misalignment accelerates tyre wear, causes handling quirks, and turns those pricey new tyres into chew toys.
The best tyre shops will have the gear, and more importantly, the know-how, to get the geometry spot on. While they’re at it, they’ll check bushes, joints, and other suspension components for wear. Trust me, a few millimetres here or there can save you hundreds down the track.
Rotate like you mean it
After a few thousand kays on your new set, it’s time to think about tyre rotations. I usually rotate mine every six months or so, either at the shop or on a Saturday afternoon with a cold drink and some good tunes in the shed.
The typical pattern? Cross the fronts to the rear, move the rears straight forward, and if you’ve got a full-size spare, drag it into the mix. Done right, rotations will spread the wear evenly and squeeze every kilometre out of your set.
Spot check like a nerd (it’s okay, I do too)
My wife Rose reckons I’m a tyre nerd, and she’s probably right. I can’t help sneaking a look back at the tyres whenever I park up. But I call it car-pride, not nerdiness.
A quick walkaround and running your hand flat across the tread face can reveal a lot. Feel for scalloped blocks or uneven wear, it’s a dead giveaway something’s out of whack. Catch it early, and your tyre shop can adjust before things get costly.
Also worth mentioning avoid kerbs when parking and take a wider line around bush corners to dodge sharp rocks and timber. Every little bit helps.
Don’t neglect pressures
Pressure checks are just as important. As I’ve mentioned in other yarns, the pressure you run should reflect the load you’re carrying.
The tyre placard is a good place to start, but I’ve also leaned on my mate and fellow tyre whisperer Steve Burke - Toyo’s Mr Fixit. When we’ve put vehicles over the weighbridge, Steve’s crunched the numbers to give us precise pressure advice based on actual load per tyre.
This sort of tailored advice trumps the lazy default you’ll often see at dealer service departments—what I call the “40 PSI Club.” Dealers love to send 4WDs out with 40 psi all ’round. Why? Who knows. But it rarely suits the vehicle, the load, or the driver.
Overinflation gives you a harsh ride, twitchy steering, poor braking, and centre-worn tyres. Worst of all, it increases the risk of punctures. None of that sounds like fun to me.
Final thoughts
Buying good tyres is only half the story. Maintaining them is what keeps your investment rolling strong for the long haul.
So, book in that alignment when you fit your new rubber. Rotate regularly. Run the right pressures for your setup. And take five seconds every week to give your tyres a once-over. It’s a small effort that pays off in big ways - longer tyre life, safer handling, and a smoother ride.
And if anyone calls you a tyre nerd for it? Just smile and know your tyres are doing better than theirs.
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