Hello All,

I have a 2016 XC90 T8 Hybrid Plug-In with 30,000 miles. It is time to replace the tires. My local Volvo dealer has offered to replace all for tires with original Pirellis tires for $1,400 plus. Part of this would include the alignment. I was told by the service writer, that any driver can do the "mechanical alignment" but the electrical motors that control the power steering must also be calibrated and that requires access to Volvo's VIDA data base which is proprietary. Independent alignment shops do not have that access, therefore they cannot do a wheel alignment correctly. If I should replace the tires at independent shop with their "mechanical alignment" and not have the alignment done properly at the Volvo dealership where the electric motors that power the power steering are calibrated, I will prematurely wear out my tires. The service writer said these proprietary information needed for a proper wheel alignment is also required for other European brands such as BMW, Audi and M-B.

My questions are:

1) Is this true?

2) Can I just have the wheel alignment done at an independent shop, where they mechanicalyl adjust the alignment alone and not bother with the electric motors?

3). This is more a statement than a question. It doesn't seem right that manufacturers can prevent independent shops from properly performing wheel alignments. It in essence gives dealers a "monopoly". Which of course can be exploited.

Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh