How Often Should a Car's Four-Wheel Alignment Be Done?
3 Answers
A car's four-wheel alignment should be performed every 20,000 kilometers. If the wheel alignment is incorrect, it may lead to abnormal tire wear (also known as tire scrubbing), vehicle pulling to one side, braking deviation, or shaking while driving. Poor road conditions, quickly passing over speed bumps or potholes, or prolonged parking on uneven surfaces can accelerate changes in alignment parameters. There are two types of four-wheel alignment methods: 1. String alignment; 2. Laser alignment. A four-wheel alignment machine is a device used to inspect and correct the chassis alignment angles when a vehicle exhibits pulling, tire scrubbing, after tire replacement, structural damage repair, or after driving a certain mileage.
I've been in the auto repair business for over 20 years, and let me tell you, wheel alignment shouldn't be strictly scheduled by time. Generally, new cars should get it checked every 10,000 kilometers, then adjust as needed. For city driving, do it every two years; for rough country roads, every six months. It's a must after installing new tires or hitting something. This ensures even tire wear, extends their life, and saves you hundreds. Ignoring it leads to steering pull and unsafe highway drifting. Include an alignment check during routine maintenance—it's quick with shop equipment and costs around a hundred bucks, a small price for long-term value.
I've been driving my own car for six years, gradually learning from a beginner. I follow the manual to get a wheel alignment every 15,000 kilometers, or immediately if there's uneven tire wear. After installing new tires, I always do an alignment to ensure the angles are correct, avoiding unnecessary extra costs. City commuting with its potholes and slippery roads can easily cause misalignment and steering wheel shake, requiring a machine check. It costs around a hundred yuan, a cheap way to prevent major repairs, especially for long-distance highway driving where stability and safety come first. Proper alignment can extend tire life by about 30,000 kilometers, making it more cost-effective. I recommend checking it during annual maintenance for peace of mind.
