Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Replacing All Four Tires?
2 Answers
Replacing all four tires does not require a wheel alignment. Changing the wheels and tires only affects the overall dynamic balance of the wheels and has no impact on the suspension. Replacing wheels or tires merely alters the characteristics of the wheels, so a dynamic balance is sufficient. Wheel alignment refers to the characteristics of the suspension. As long as the size remains consistent when changing tires or wheels, a wheel alignment is unnecessary. However, if one side of the tire is severely worn but the tire itself is in good condition, it is advisable to perform a wheel alignment. Additionally, if the vehicle is involved in an accident and the chassis or suspension is severely damaged, which may cause changes in the tires, a wheel alignment should be performed. Whenever tires are replaced or repaired, as long as the tire is removed from the rim and then reinstalled, a dynamic balance must be done.
After getting new tires, many people ask me if they need a wheel alignment. From a technical perspective, changing tires itself doesn't affect alignment, but the installation process might disturb suspension components, such as moving the links or brackets when removing the wheels. Without alignment, tire wear can become uneven—for example, the outer edges wearing out faster, leading to new tires being ruined in just a few thousand kilometers, which is both a waste of money and a safety hazard. You might also notice the steering wheel pulling to one side or vibrations at high speeds, compromising handling safety. I recommend having the shop check the alignment data when changing tires. If the angles are off, get them adjusted. An alignment costs around a hundred bucks but can extend tire life by over a year and even improve fuel efficiency—totally worth it. Especially for older cars or those with past collisions, alignment issues are more common, so don't skimp on this small expense.
