Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary When Changing Tires?
2 Answers
Whether a wheel alignment is necessary when changing tires depends on the situation: If the tires are being replaced due to normal wear reaching the wear indicators or due to tire damage, a wheel alignment is not required because normal tire and wheel replacement does not affect the chassis data, so a wheel alignment is unnecessary. However, if the tires are being replaced due to severe abnormal wear, which affects the chassis data, a wheel alignment is needed. Wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle and involves adjustments to ensure good driving performance and reliability. Wheel alignment equipment includes: toe gauges and optical level aligners, string aligners, CCD aligners, laser aligners, and 3D imaging aligners.
Replacing tires itself doesn't require a dedicated wheel alignment, as alignment deals with wheel angle adjustments while tire replacement only involves changing the rubber components. However, in practice, I always recommend getting an alignment check when installing new tires. New tires may reveal suspension or steering issues - improper alignment can cause uneven wear, increased fuel consumption, and even safety risks. Alignment checks are generally quick and inexpensive, preventing costly future repairs. If neglected until symptoms like steering wheel vibration or pulling appear, additional damage may have already occurred. While not mandatory, smart car owners always schedule an alignment after tire changes - it saves money and provides peace of mind.
