How often should a car's wheel alignment be performed?
2 Answers
There is no strict rule on how often a car's wheel alignment should be performed. Generally, if the vehicle is functioning properly, wheel alignment is unnecessary. However, it is required when driving issues such as heavy steering, pulling to one side, non-returning steering wheel, uneven tire wear, or tail-wagging/swaying during turns occur. Besides these problem-driven scenarios, wheel alignment is also necessary in the following cases: 1. After installing new tires—since the alignment parameters of newly replaced tires cannot be confirmed to be within the specified range, realignment is essential; 2. After a collision that damages the chassis or suspension; 3. When the vehicle's driving performance is affected; 4. When tires exhibit uneven or abnormal wear.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and found that the frequency of wheel alignment depends on driving habits. Generally, it's recommended to check every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers or do it once or twice a year. But if you often drive on bumpy roads or the steering wheel keeps tilting after jolts, you should visit the repair shop earlier. Once I hit a curb, and the car veered off—luckily, a timely alignment saved the tires from wear. Regular alignments extend tire life and ensure stable driving. Remember, don’t wait until the steering wheel drifts or tires wear unevenly—it increases safety risks and extra costs, especially during long-distance driving.
