Do I Need Wheel Balancing and Four-Wheel Alignment When Changing Rims?
2 Answers
In general, when changing rims, you need to perform wheel balancing rather than four-wheel alignment. Wheel balancing involves using an instrument to detect and add counterweights to the lighter areas, ensuring that the tire's center of gravity remains at the center. This prevents uneven force distribution during high-speed rotation. Four-wheel alignment, on the other hand, ensures that the wheels maintain straight-line driving and that the steering wheel automatically returns to its original position after turning. Here is some relevant information about four-wheel alignment: 1. Introduction: Four-wheel alignment adjusts the vehicle's four-wheel parameters to ensure good driving performance and reliability. 2. Purpose: The purpose of wheel alignment is to keep the car driving straight stably, make steering easier, and reduce wear on tires and steering components during driving.
It's essential to perform wheel balancing after changing rims. I've maintained this habit since I started driving 20 years ago. The weight distribution may become uneven when new rims are paired with old tires or new ones, causing severe steering wheel vibrations at high speeds—both uncomfortable and dangerous. Last time I skipped it, the tires wore unevenly so badly that I had to replace them after just three months, costing me extra money. A wheel alignment isn't necessarily required immediately unless you've altered the rim size or the car starts pulling to one side. But after the change, test-drive for a few days—if no issues arise, you can save on that. Every time I replace rims, I ask the repair shop to quickly check the suspension for peace of mind. Unstable rims affect braking and handling, so safety comes first—spending a little on regular maintenance prevents major repairs later.
