Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Changing Tires?
2 Answers
Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Changing Tires? A wheel alignment is necessary after changing tires because there are specific angles and relative positions between the car tires, steering mechanism, and front and rear axles. After replacing tires, these angles and positions may shift, which can lead to issues such as the car pulling to one side, reduced steering precision, an off-center steering wheel, or uneven tire wear. In such cases, a timely wheel alignment is required. A wheel alignment helps maintain the correct angles between the tires and the car body, reduces wear between the tires and steering components during driving, ensures a firm grip between the tires and the road, and helps the car maintain stable straight-line driving. Wheel alignment is a maintenance procedure and does not need to be performed regularly. If the car is not experiencing any issues, a wheel alignment is unnecessary.
Last time I changed my tires, I specifically asked the mechanic this question. He said that replacing tires alone usually doesn't require a wheel alignment, just like changing shoes doesn't necessitate adjusting the skeleton. However, if after changing tires you notice the steering wheel shaking, the car pulling to one side, or severe tire wear, then an alignment is a must. Once I changed tires without doing an alignment, and the inner side of the new tire was worn flat after just 5,000 kilometers. Upon inspection, it turned out the toe angle was off. Thinking about it now, spending a hundred bucks on an alignment to protect tires worth thousands is quite cost-effective. If suspension components are disturbed during tire replacement, or if your car already has a tendency to pull to one side, it's advisable to request an alignment right away to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth hassle.
