Is a wheel alignment necessary when replacing all four tires?
2 Answers
Replacing all four tires does not require a wheel alignment, as the normal replacement of tires and rims does not affect the chassis data. Therefore, a wheel alignment is unnecessary. However, if the tires are being replaced due to severe abnormal wear, which has impacted the chassis data, then a wheel alignment is required. Wheel alignment equipment includes toe gauges, optical level alignment tools, string alignment tools, CCD alignment tools, laser alignment tools, and 3D imaging alignment tools, among others. Among these, 3D, CCD, and laser products are the mainstream in the market. 3D products represent the more advanced wheel alignment technology available, featuring advanced measurement methods and requiring only one-fifth of the time compared to traditional alignment tools. This technology is gradually reaching maturity.
I always get a four-wheel alignment every time I replace all four tires, especially when installing new ones, as it ensures even tire wear and extends their lifespan. A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels, such as camber and caster. If these angles are off, new tires may wear unevenly quickly or compromise handling safety. If the car previously had issues like pulling to one side or an off-center steering wheel, an alignment check becomes even more crucial after tire replacement. I’d recommend other car owners adopt this habit—even if it costs a bit extra, it’s far more economical than unexpected accidents or premature tire replacements. I’ve personally experienced early tire wear due to skipping alignments, which is why I take it seriously now.
