Is a Four-Wheel Alignment Necessary When Replacing All Four Tires?
2 Answers
Replacing all four tires does not require a four-wheel alignment. When changing tires, wheel dynamic balancing is needed, which is unrelated to four-wheel alignment. The principle of tire dynamic balancing is mainly achieved through a dynamic balancing machine. The motor starts and drives the tire to rotate. Due to the presence of unbalanced parameters in the tire, the centrifugal force exerted on the piezoelectric sensor in various directions is converted into electrical signals. During the driving process of the car, if you notice heavy or shaky steering or abnormal tire wear such as uneven wear or block wear, you should check the wheel alignment values. If the deviation is too large, timely repairs should be performed.
Having driven for over a decade, I strongly recommend getting a wheel alignment after tire replacement. Why? Because simply changing tires isn't enough - worn old tires may have caused misalignment angles. If there's any issue with the suspension system, new tires can develop abnormal wear patterns within days, wasting money and creating highway driving hazards with potential pulling. I learned this the hard way when skipping alignment once - my tires were ruined in under six months, costing more to fix. Don't skimp on this small investment; spending 100-200 RMB ensures safety, especially if your car shows bumpy symptoms requiring inspection. Regular suspension checks during maintenance are crucial for prevention, giving much greater driving peace of mind.
