How often should a car get a wheel alignment?
2 Answers
There is no fixed interval for wheel alignment as it is not a maintenance task but rather a repair procedure. Wheel alignment is only necessary when the vehicle exhibits specific issues; it is not required under normal circumstances. If a timeframe must be suggested, it can be determined based on the frequency of vehicle use and driving conditions. Wheel alignment adjusts the four wheels' parameters to ensure optimal driving performance and reliability. The following situations indicate the need for a wheel alignment: 1. After installing new tires or following collision repairs. 2. Uneven wear on the inner or outer edges of the front or rear tires. 3. The steering wheel feels excessively heavy, floats, or vibrates while driving. 4. The car pulls to the left or right when driving straight.
As a seasoned driver with over 10 years of experience, I find wheel alignment frequency to be quite flexible. I typically get it done every two years or check it after driving about 15,000 kilometers. With all the potholes in the city, tires wear out faster, and if the steering wheel feels off or the car pulls to one side, it's time to head to the repair shop. The key point is, without proper alignment, tires can wear unevenly, leading to higher costs for replacements and affecting driving stability. Last time I delayed it, my braking distance increased slightly, which was quite alarming. So, it's best to follow the car manual's recommendations and check during regular maintenance—don't wait until the car starts shaking. Safety first! This approach has saved me a lot on tires and fuel, totally worth it.
