Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Installing New Tires?
2 Answers
After installing new tires, a wheel alignment is not necessarily required. Replacing the wheels and tires primarily affects the overall dynamic balance of the wheels and does not impact the suspension. Changing the wheels and tires only alters the properties of the wheels, so a dynamic balance is sufficient. A wheel alignment, on the other hand, pertains to the suspension's properties. As long as the dimensions remain consistent, a wheel alignment is unnecessary. However, if the vehicle frequently climbs curbs, rapidly passes over speed bumps, or exhibits symptoms such as pulling to one side, reduced steering precision, an off-center steering wheel, or severe tire wear—while the dynamic balance remains normal—it may indicate inaccurate wheel alignment angles. In such cases, a wheel alignment should be considered.
As a seasoned long-distance driver, I believe whether to do wheel alignment after changing tires depends on the specific situation. If your car originally drove straight and you're just replacing tires with the same size, generally there's no need for special alignment. However, pay attention to whether the rims were damaged during the tire change - last time my car's rim got bent by a mechanic, causing slight pulling. Additionally, if the car is over five years old or has been in a collision before, checking chassis parameters when installing new tires is advisable. I measure tire wear annually, and if I notice faster wear on the inner or outer edges, I'll get alignment done immediately even with new tires. The key is observing driving feel - if there's steering wheel vibration or uneven tire wear after installing new tires, don't hesitate to get alignment done.
