Is a Four-Wheel Alignment Necessary When Replacing All Four Tires?
2 Answers
Whether a four-wheel alignment is needed when replacing all four tires depends on the situation: When replacing all four tires simultaneously, it is necessary to determine if the old tires showed signs of uneven wear or tire scrubbing before replacement. If such signs were present, then a four-wheel alignment adjustment is required. It is also necessary to check if the vehicle exhibited any pulling to one side before the tire replacement. If it did, a four-wheel alignment is also needed. If neither of these conditions occurred, there is no need to adjust the four-wheel alignment after replacing the tires. Four-wheel alignment is based on the vehicle's four-wheel parameters and is adjusted to ensure good driving performance and a certain level of reliability. Conventional alignments include 2D four-wheel alignment, while more advanced options include 3D four-wheel alignment.
Last time I just got four new tires replaced, and I specifically asked the mechanic if I needed a wheel alignment. He said it depends: if the car was driving fine before, with no issues like pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, you can just drive off after the tire change without needing a special alignment. However, if suspension components were disturbed during the removal or installation, or if you notice the steering wheel is crooked after the new tires are fitted, then you definitely need an alignment to adjust the angles. My old car had an issue where the technician accidentally bumped the tie rod during the tire change, causing the right front wheel's camber angle to be off, and within two weeks, the tire shoulder was worn bald. So, I recommend keeping an eye on the tire change process and addressing any abnormalities promptly.
