Rotate without Alignment?

[AKinDC]

I've got a leaking tire to get checked out...got an appointment with NTB...and since I'm due for a rotation, I figured I might as well get it done while I'm there.
The only thing is, they said they don't have the capability to do alignments for Teslas.
Is that a problem?
Can't get into a Tesla service station for a few weeks, but I can certainly wait to rotate if need be.

 

[The_Observer]

It's fine to rotate without alignment, unless you notice your steering wheel is veering to the left or right rather significantly. Usually people recommend alignment every tire change.

 

[texas_star_TM3]

as the other poster said... alignment if the car doesn't drive straight or when you rotate tires and notice unusual wear on the same tire. an alignment without either symptom is not needed ....

 

[Avid]

You don't need an alignment, I find their inability to do a alignment on a Tesla is dubious. Therefore, if you decide to let them rotate your tires, I would watch them during the whole event, some places are just questionable.

 

[Apprunner]

There is nothing complicated about an alignment on a Model 3. Take it to any alignment shop and they can do it.

 

[AKinDC]

You don't need an alignment, I find their inability to do a alignment on a Tesla is dubious. Therefore, if you decide to let them rotate your tires, I would watch them during the whole event, some places are just questionable.

Like I'd be able to tell anything by watching...
They did say they had plenty of experience with Teslas, and asked me if I kept lift pucks in my car, so I figured that's a good sign

 

[Avid]

Like I'd be able to tell anything by watching...
They did say they had plenty of experience with Teslas, and asked me if I kept lift pucks in my car, so I figured that's a good sign

I apologize, I assumed you were familiar with the tire rotation process.

I always try to watch people work on my property,

1. I might learn something new
2. To make sure they are doing it right
3. If they make a mistake, they don't hide it.

After all, no one has your best interest in mind than you do.

 

[LionXng]

What is the proper rotation pattern for a 3? Or is there one?

 

[Rottenapplr]

Man in the years I e driven cars I usually rotate when I get a new car. Otherwise I don’t rotate and usually my tires last for years. I mever bump my tire into parking stall blocks, and I never hit the curb. So yah rotate with out alignment is fine imho. When I do rotate the alignment is within specs.

 

[Dolemite]

as the other poster said... alignment if the car doesn't drive straight or when you rotate tires and notice unusual wear on the same tire. an alignment without either symptom is not needed ....

An alignment on these cars is stupid simple. But if the shop is terrified of doing it, look elsewhere.

 

[ballison404]

What is the proper rotation pattern for a 3? Or is there one?

switch front to back staying on the same side is the official word from Tesla

 

[smartypnz]

switch front to back staying on the same side is the official word from Tesla

Yup... keep the tires going the same direction.

 

[Dolemite]

switch front to back staying on the same side is the official word from Tesla

Yup... keep the tires going the same direction.

Might be because it's about all they can do in a driveway... unless mobile techs travel with QuickJacks. I personally do a rearward cross as long as the tires aren't directional. Otherwise I always end up wearing out the left-hand side first because of extreme off-ramping. Having a square setup is one of my favorite things about this car.

 

[AKinDC]

Well, the good news is, they knew what they were doing.
The bad news, the leaking tire had a nail in the side and couldn't be repaired...so now I need a new tire. Ick.