Do I Need a Wheel Alignment When Replacing Four New Tires?
2 Answers
Replacing tires does not require a wheel alignment. The reasons are as follows: 1. Changing the rims and tires only affects the overall wheel balance and has no impact on the suspension. 2. Replacing rims and tires only alters the wheel's properties, requiring a wheel balance check. A wheel alignment refers to the suspension's properties. As long as the tire and rim sizes remain consistent, a wheel alignment is unnecessary. 3. If one side of the tire is severely worn but the tire itself is fine, a wheel alignment may be needed. Additionally, if the car has been in an accident and the chassis or suspension is severely damaged, this can also affect the tires, making a wheel alignment advisable.
Last time I changed tires, I specifically asked the repair shop technician. He said that changing tires itself doesn't affect wheel alignment, but if the car previously had issues like pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, this would be a good opportunity to address them. After this tire change, I noticed the steering wheel shaking slightly, so I immediately went for an alignment. It turned out the toe angle was off by more than half a degree. After adjustment, the driving feel became noticeably more stable. Some roadside shops might cut corners and say alignment isn't necessary, but I think spending around a hundred bucks to check the tie rods and suspension system is worth it. After all, a new set of tires costs several thousand, and proper care can extend their life by two years. A car is like a person wearing shoes—if the soles wear unevenly, you need to adjust your walking posture even with new shoes, right?
