Jim,

I got an answer. A friend of mine works for corporate Volvo. The friend spoke to a Volvo chassis engineer. This engineer confirmed that Volvo recommended that when tires are replaced, the alignment should be checked. Also, the electric motor (s?) that provide the power steering should be re-calibrated. Recalibrating these electric motors requires down loading software from the Volvo VIDA software platform. For a straight wheel alignment, my local dealer charges $200. If I want a lifetime warranty, the cost would be $275. The alignment would include the "mechanical" checking of the alignment and then the recalibration of the electric motors that provide the power steering function.

I am a little disappointed that Volvo has in essence a "monopoly" on wheel alignments, but what are you going to do?

Hugh