Wheel alignment question

I recently went in to get a tire repaired. The guy pointed out that my tires are wearing more on the outside and he may not be able to repair the tire. He also mentioned my truck should get a wheel alignment every 6 months. This is my first truck, so I'm wondering how often should the alignment on our trucks be done? Also, is it normal that my stock tires already need to be replaced after 13,000 miles? I got my truck new and I find it crazy that I already have to replace my tires.

Side note - I got rear ended in August and am currently battling the dudes insurance to fix my car because he didn't have enough liability coverage. My truck's bumper handled the crash like a champ - the dude's car got totaled. Could this have played a part in my alignment issue?

Thanks for any insight or advice you can provide.

 

As far as the tires, the Tundras do wear a little faster on the outside edge of the fronts because of the turning radius that these trucks have. Proper rotation and air pressure will help with that. It is common for the factory tires to wear pretty quick when the vehicle is new. Most cars do it as well. By the time you wear them out, most of us are looking for a wheel and tire package along with a level or lift. With daily driving, an alignment once a year is usually good.

 

rotations, rotations, rotations. It's how I'm battling mine

 

Yes rotations is a big plus, with balancing. Pep boys has lifetime alignment btw.

 

I use wheelworks lifetime alignment and balancing. For major alignment issues I have paid a great local truck tire shop and then use wheelworks before a long trip to get back to the numbers the good place got me to

 

The only time an alignment is needed is when you replace something in the steering or suspension (tie rods, steering rack, shocks, springs, control arms, [some would say ball joints]).
I doubt that getting rear ended would have tweaked the alignment but anything is possible.

 

gotta disagree with you here. My alignment numbers have changed over time but I have some bumpy roads and trips I take regularly. Sure smooth driving on great roads, probably not going to have an issue.

 

The alignment at ride height will change as the suspension settles over time. That’s a given.
But you shouldn’t be throwing out your alignment from washboard or bumpy roads. If you are I’d recommend checking to make sure your alignment cam tab set bolts are torqued to the required 207ft lbs.

I guess I should revise my original statement.
“Get an alignment if you mess something up or replace something. But you don’t need an alignment every 6 months just because.”