Do you still need to scrub in new tyres?
Due to a combination of factors, I have recently needed a full set of new tyres on my 68-plate BMW 430d Gran Coupe. I’m a steady and mature driver - not a boy racer - but the car has quite a lot of grunt. Do I need to ‘scrub in’ my tyres for a bit, or is it business as usual from the start?
Secondary question, I was also offered ‘wheel alignment’ for around £110, which I declined. If I’m paying for a full set of tyres, I expect them to be put on properly! Should I have invested in this, or is it just another way to squeeze money out of motorists?
Secondary question, I was also offered ‘wheel alignment’ for around £110, which I declined. If I’m paying for a full set of tyres, I expect them to be put on properly! Should I have invested in this, or is it just another way to squeeze money out of motorists?
Asked on 21 April 2025 by Simon Harniess
Answered by
David Ross
We would not suggest scrubbing in new tyres as this will wear them prematurely. However you choose to drive, there is no need to drive anything other than normally when new tyres have been fitted.
We would also advise having wheel alignment when new tyres are fitted. The majority of tyre fitters will balance each wheel when a new tyre is fitted as a matter of course, but wheel alignment ensures that the settings for toe-in or toe-out, camber and castor where applicable are to the factory settings. Vehicle wheels fall out of alignment over time and this affects handling characteristics as well as tyre wear, so it is sensible to have the wheels aligned when new tyres are fitted to ensure longevity and correct performance.
We would also advise having wheel alignment when new tyres are fitted. The majority of tyre fitters will balance each wheel when a new tyre is fitted as a matter of course, but wheel alignment ensures that the settings for toe-in or toe-out, camber and castor where applicable are to the factory settings. Vehicle wheels fall out of alignment over time and this affects handling characteristics as well as tyre wear, so it is sensible to have the wheels aligned when new tyres are fitted to ensure longevity and correct performance.
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wheels and tyres
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