Tires: Pulling left, pound signs, rear tires

Question
Hi

I have an S reg fiesta which has been serviced yearly.  I do very little mileage (10-15 miles per week) and when it was last serviced, he moved the back tyres to the front and put new ones on the back.  Sine then it has been pulling to the left.  The mechanic said it was probably tracking.  I took it to a nationwide garage who have said it is the brake pads and discs and that as my tyres are over 4 years old they need replacing - a total cost of £225(I thought as the tyres weren't worn and I do hardly any mileage they would be fine)! I'm questioning this as my usual mechanic who did the service last month said the brake discs/pads do need replacing but not immediately and that the tyres were fine.  I wonder whether they have seen me coming and pound signs are flashing?
i just wondered what you think it may be - I have never heard of replacing your tyres just because they are older than 4 years?

Thanks


Answer
Adele,

It is obvious that the problem is in the tires - and just the pair on the front (which used to be on the back).  Just to verify this, have the front tire swapped side to side.  

1)  If the pull changes direction, it's the tires.  
2)  If the pull doesn't change, it's the alignment.  
3)  If the pull disappears, then it's both the tires and the alignment.

I'm going to assume it's going to be number 1 - and I'm going to assume the alignment in the rear caused this - which mean the rear tires will eventually get into this condition as well.

The only solution to the problem is to put the tires back on the rear - and then they will eventually develop a horrible wear pattern and generate noise.

OR

Get the vehicle aligned (especially the rear) and live with the problem until the tire wear out.

OR

Get new tires (and don't forget to get the alignment done!)