Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Tire Replacement?
2 Answers
After replacing tires, a wheel alignment is not necessary, but wheel balancing is essential, which is unrelated to wheel alignment. If the vehicle does not pull to one side while driving and the steering wheel remains straight, alignment is not required. However, wheel balancing is mandatory; otherwise, vibrations may occur during driving. A car's wheel is an assembly consisting of the tire and the rim. Due to manufacturing variations, the mass distribution of this assembly may not be perfectly uniform. When the wheel rotates at high speeds, this can lead to dynamic imbalance, causing wheel vibrations and steering wheel shudder during driving.
After changing tires, a wheel alignment isn't always necessary, but it depends on the vehicle's condition. If only the tires were replaced without disturbing the suspension system—for example, if the suspension bolts weren't loosened—then an alignment may not be needed. I usually get a tire balance to eliminate rotational vibrations, which is typically included during tire replacement. However, if the car previously had issues like pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, or if you notice the steering wheel tilting after installing new tires, an alignment should be done promptly. A four-wheel alignment adjusts wheel angles, such as camber and toe, which can affect tire lifespan. New cars or those recently aligned might not require it, but for older vehicles with worn suspension components, it's safer to check the alignment when replacing tires. Safety comes first—spending a few hundred on alignment is better than ruining new tires worth thousands prematurely.
