Do New Tires Require Wheel Balancing or Alignment?
2 Answers
When replacing tires or repairing punctures, as long as the tire is removed from the wheel hub and then reinstalled, wheel balancing must be performed. If wheel balancing is not done, it can cause noticeable tire vibration at certain speeds. However, tire replacement or puncture repair does not require a four-wheel alignment. Four-wheel alignment is only necessary when the vehicle experiences steering pull, severe uneven tire wear, or tire cupping. Four-wheel alignment is unrelated to tire replacement. Below is additional information: Four-wheel alignment: Four-wheel alignment is based on the vehicle's four-wheel parameters and involves adjustments to ensure good driving performance and a certain level of reliability. The installation of a car's steering wheels, steering knuckles, and front axle has a specific relative position, and this installation with a certain relative position is called steering wheel alignment, also known as front-wheel alignment.
I just got new tires recently, and I must say wheel balancing is absolutely essential. Wheel balancing is done to evenly distribute the weight between the tire and the rim, preventing steering wheel vibration or body shaking issues at high speeds. If wheel balancing isn't done properly, driving becomes unstable, leading to accelerated tire wear and even affecting the suspension system, which increases repair costs. As for wheel alignment, I usually only get it done when the car pulls to one side or shows uneven tire wear; changing tires itself doesn't require alignment unless there's an existing issue with the vehicle. Safety comes first in my opinion—wheel balancing is simple, reliable, and relatively inexpensive, yet it prevents bigger problems. I once ignored it before a highway trip, and the car vibrated so badly that I'll never skip it again. Regular maintenance is crucial for extending vehicle life and ensuring driving comfort.
