When performing a wheel alignment, the technician adjusts the suspension and steering components to ensure that the wheels are properly aligned with the vehicle's center line and have the correct toe, camber, and caster angles. These angles affect the vehicle's handling, tire wear, and stability.
Using two different sets of tires can introduce variations in the tire dimensions and tread patterns, which can lead to incorrect alignment settings. The differences in tire size, sidewall stiffness, and tread composition can affect the vehicle's handling and the accuracy of the alignment process.
For example, if one set of tires has a wider tread pattern compared to the other, it can alter the vehicle's toe and camber angles, resulting in uneven tire wear and compromised handling. Similarly, differences in tire diameter can affect the overall suspension geometry and alter the alignment settings.
To ensure optimal performance, safety, and accurate wheel alignment results, it is recommended to use the same set of tires, ideally the ones designed and recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for your specific car model. Using different sets of tires can compromise the alignment accuracy and potentially affect the handling and stability of your vehicle.
