Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Replacing All Four Tires?
2 Answers
Is a wheel alignment necessary after replacing all four tires? Yes, if the wheel alignment data falls outside the reasonable range, it can lead to irregular tire wear, vehicle shaking, or pulling to one side. Situations that require a wheel alignment include: 1. After installing new tires or following collision repairs; 2. Uneven wear on one side of the front or rear tires; 3. The steering wheel feels excessively heavy or floats and shakes while driving; 4. The vehicle pulls to the left or right when driving straight. Front wheel alignment includes four main aspects: caster angle, kingpin inclination angle, camber angle, and toe-in. Rear wheel alignment includes camber angle and individual rear wheel toe-in. Collectively, front and rear wheel alignment is referred to as wheel alignment, commonly known as four-wheel alignment.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I always believe getting a wheel alignment after tire replacement is a smart choice. While alignment isn't strictly necessary for simple tire changes, if your car has previously hit potholes or curbs, the suspension may have developed slight deformations. I've personally witnessed a friend who skipped this step - his new tires wore unevenly within months and the car pulled severely, ultimately costing more in repairs. Safe driving is paramount; spending a little extra on an alignment check ensures even tire wear and stable vehicle handling, preventing potential accidents at high speeds. I recommend finding a reputable auto shop - it usually takes under an hour and costs just 100-200 yuan. Regular tire pressure and wear condition checks can also prevent issues.
