Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Changing Car Tires?
3 Answers
Here are recommendations on whether a wheel alignment is needed after replacing car tires: 1. It's not mandatory, but it's better to have one done. As a driver, you may not be aware of any abnormalities in the vehicle's chassis suspension system. If the alignment data is significantly off, it could cause excessive wear on the newly replaced tires. Wheel alignment is precisely the adjustment and correction made to address excessive tire wear. 2. Alignment data varies for each car model. Alignments done outside may not follow the manufacturer's specified data, potentially leading to deviations. At a 4S dealership, the alignment is performed using the appropriate data for the specific vehicle model. This ensures the adjusted data better meets the normal driving requirements of the vehicle.
Getting a wheel alignment after changing tires is not mandatory, but it depends on the specific situation. I once encountered this: after installing new tires without an alignment, the car had a slight pull to one side while driving, and it was later discovered that there was a minor displacement in the suspension. Wheel alignment primarily adjusts the angles of the wheels, such as camber and toe angles, which are not directly related to the tire replacement itself. If the car hasn't been in a collision before and the suspension system is normal, an additional alignment might not be necessary after changing tires. However, it's best to check the steering and tire wear. If you feel the car is unstable, pulls to one side, or has uneven tire wear, it's time to consider an alignment. I recommend having the technician evaluate it when changing tires to save multiple trips to the repair shop. Regular alignments can extend tire life and avoid extra expenses.
It's not necessary to insist on a wheel alignment when getting new tires. Alignment deals with the geometric parameters of the wheels, while the tires themselves are just new components being replaced. Unless the vehicle's suspension has suffered an impact or you've already noticed driving issues like obvious steering misalignment or increased tire noise, alignment isn't required. However, wheel balancing is essential after tire replacement to ensure smooth rotation and prevent vibrations at high speeds. The standard tire replacement process won't affect the factory-set angles. Generally, alignment should be checked every 20,000 kilometers or after an accident. You can skip this step to save money when simply changing tires, but it's safer to monitor for any abnormalities.
