Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Changing Rims and Tires?
2 Answers
No, a wheel alignment is not necessary. Wheel alignment is typically required when the vehicle exhibits issues such as pulling to one side while driving, an off-center steering wheel, or abnormal tire wear. Here are the relevant details: 1. Wheel Balancing: After changing tires, wheel balancing is mandatory, which is unrelated to wheel alignment. If the vehicle does not pull to one side while driving and the steering wheel remains straight, then alignment is unnecessary. However, wheel balancing must be performed; otherwise, the vehicle may experience vibrations during driving. 2. Precautions: If you notice abnormal pulling while driving, have it repaired promptly to avoid accidents.
After changing wheels and tires, my personal experience tells me that a four-wheel alignment isn't absolutely necessary. I've been driving for years and have dealt with several tire replacements. Each time, I first check if the car drives straight and whether the steering wheel pulls to one side. If the wheel size remains unchanged and the tires are installed correctly, there's no need to rush for an alignment. After all, alignments mainly target the suspension system, and simply changing wheels and tires doesn't affect axle alignment. However, when switching to larger wheels or off-road tires with significant size differences, you need to be cautious as they might cause misalignment – that's when getting an alignment becomes more reliable. It saves both money and hassle. Just pay attention to even tire wear during daily driving to avoid extra expenses. The lesson is: money saved can be put towards maintenance or fuel, which is quite practical.
