Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary for Tire Wear?
2 Answers
Tire wear definitely requires a wheel alignment. The causes of tire wear include: 1. Inaccurate wheel alignment, leading to tire wear when the two wheels on the same side operate or the front and rear wheels are misaligned; 2. Incorrect toe adjustment can also cause tire wear; 3. Steering gear failure may also lead to tire wear and deviation. Wheel alignment ensures the tight contact between tires and the ground by adjusting the geometric angles of the tires, steering, suspension, and other components. The actual operation is not very simple because wheel alignment involves adjusting suspension parameters such as camber angle, caster angle, toe angle, kingpin inclination angle, etc. The process involves many aspects, and the time required may vary.
When discovering tire wear, it's not always necessary to immediately perform a wheel alignment. In my years of driving, when I first encountered this issue, I rushed to the shop for an alignment. However, the technician found that it was caused by a broken shock absorber in the suspension system. Tire wear can be triggered by other reasons, such as uneven tire pressure, deformed wheel rims, or frequently driving on bumpy roads. Alignment can help adjust wheel angles, but if it's a pressure issue, simply using a tire pressure gauge to check can solve the problem. Don't rush into alignment—it's a waste of money and time. First, conduct a comprehensive inspection to avoid safety risks or further wear. Paying attention to tire conditions during regular maintenance can prevent many issues. Like me, after learning this, my car runs much smoother.
