Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary When Replacing New Tires?

[VonAvery]

Replacing new tires does not require a wheel alignment. Wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusted to ensure good driving performance and a certain level of reliability. Situations that require a wheel alignment include: 1. The vehicle's driving performance is affected; 2. Damage to the chassis and suspension due to an accident; 3. Abnormal tire wear; 4. Removal of axle and suspension components; 5. Replacement of shock absorbers, suspension arms, or steering control systems. Wheel alignment, also known as steering wheel alignment, consists of front-wheel alignment and rear-wheel alignment. Its purpose is to maintain stable straight-line driving, facilitate easy steering, and reduce wear on tires and steering components during driving.

[AlexandraDella]

When installing new tires, I have to share my experience. After driving so many miles, I found that after getting a wheel alignment, the car runs more steadily, and the steering wheel no longer pulls to one side. If you skip it, the new tires might wear out unevenly very quickly, which is a waste of money and also affects braking distance. Especially on the highway, losing control could be dangerous. Last time I changed tires without an alignment, and within a month, the tires wore out by a third, costing me even more in repairs. The alignment adjusts the wheel angles, ensuring symmetry between the front and rear wheels, which extends tire life. In the end, the cost of one alignment is far less than frequent tire replacements. So, getting an alignment when changing new tires is definitely a smart move—don’t cut corners.

[EmersonLynn]

Budget-conscious people might think they can save a little money by skipping wheel alignment when getting new tires, but I've tried it, and it actually ends up costing more. Without proper alignment, new tires wear out faster, with one side wearing quicker than the other, meaning you'll have to replace them much sooner. Alignment checks the wheel installation angles to prevent misalignment; skipping it can cause the car to pull to one side and make the steering feel loose. Over time, tire life shortens, repair costs add up, and it's better to invest the initial $10–20 to get it done right. My own car got an alignment after tire replacement, and the tires lasted two years looking as good as new—both worry-free and economical. In short, smart car owners always include alignment when changing tires.

[DiElena]

Hey, do I need an alignment after getting new tires? Last time I changed a tire, the mechanic said it depends on the car's condition. If you don't feel any pulling or vibration while driving normally, you might not need to rush into it. But I noticed that if the wheel angles are off, the tires can wear unevenly on one side, affecting handling. That time I didn't get an alignment, and the car shook a bit on the highway. Later, I found out it was because the wheels weren't adjusted properly. After spending some time getting an alignment, the car drove much smoother. Alignment is about adjusting the wheels to their factory-set angles to ensure smooth driving. It's not expensive, so I recommend checking it when you get new tires.