How Many Kilometers Should a Car Drive Before Getting a Wheel Alignment?
4 Answers
It is recommended to perform a wheel alignment every 20,000 kilometers. If the wheel alignment is incorrect, it may cause abnormal tire wear (also known as tire cupping), vehicle pulling to one side, uneven braking, or steering wheel vibration while driving. Poor road conditions, quickly passing over speed bumps or potholes, or prolonged parking on uneven surfaces can accelerate changes in alignment parameters. Below are some situations that indicate the need for a wheel alignment: 1. When driving on a straight road, you need to firmly grip the steering wheel to keep the car from pulling to one side. 2. When there is severe wear on one side of the front or rear tires. 3. When the car feels unstable or floats while driving normally. 4. After installing new tires or following a collision, steering system repair, or suspension system repair, it is advisable to perform a wheel alignment.
I've been driving for over a decade and believe wheel alignment doesn't have a fixed mileage interval like oil changes. Manufacturers generally recommend checking every 20,000 to 25,000 km or every two years, but in reality, I prefer to decide based on the car's performance. For instance, if the steering wheel is slightly off-center, the car pulls to one side, or the tire tread wears unevenly, it's time for an alignment. I've learned my lesson: last time I ignored a slight pull and drove 30,000 km without addressing it, resulting in one side of the rear tires being completely worn out and costing me over a thousand dollars for new tires. In fact, regular alignments can help extend tire life, save on fuel costs, and even improve handling stability. I advise new car owners to get an alignment check whenever they install new tires and to pay attention to how the car feels and the condition of the tire tread, rather than just focusing on mileage numbers.
I commute daily, clocking a steady 2,000 kilometers each month. My experience with wheel alignment is: don't be too rigid. The recommended mileage is every 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers, but I prioritize habits. For example, if I often drive on bumpy suburban roads or take sharp turns frequently, I'll get it checked earlier; conversely, if it's mostly smooth city roads, stretching it to 30,000 kilometers is fine. After alignment, I clearly feel the car drives more smoothly, the steering is steadier, and fuel consumption drops. I also remind my friends to check it regularly to avoid what happened to me last time—I procrastinated for a whole year and ended up spending 10% more on fuel. Additionally, getting an alignment before seasonal changes or long trips can improve driving comfort. This small investment is truly worth it.
As a car owner, safety is always my top priority, so wheel alignment should be done promptly when issues arise. For example, if the car hits a big pothole, is involved in a minor accident, or if you notice unstable steering or severe wheel vibration while driving, you should immediately go to a repair shop for inspection. The manual recommends routine alignment every 20,000 kilometers, but I can delay it a bit if there are no symptoms. This maintenance is inexpensive but can prevent accidents, especially making driving more stable in rainy or snowy conditions. Remember, proper alignment ensures even tire wear.
