Is it necessary to perform a four-wheel alignment when changing tires?

[McCassandra]

Tires are replaced due to normal wear reaching the wear indicators or damage. After replacing tires, a four-wheel alignment is not necessary because normal tire and wheel replacement does not affect the chassis data. However, if the tires are replaced due to severe abnormal wear, which impacts the chassis data, then a four-wheel alignment is required. Performing a four-wheel alignment involves adjusting numerous parameters, including camber, caster, toe angle, and kingpin inclination angle. This process not only tests the technician's professional skills but also heavily relies on the quality of the equipment used.

[VanMaddox]

I've been driving for decades and often change tires myself. Whether a wheel alignment is needed depends on the situation. Generally, if there are no issues with the car when changing tires, such as no pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, there's no rush to get an alignment. This can save some money, as an alignment typically costs one to two hundred bucks. However, if your car feels bumpy or the steering isn't smooth, changing tires is a good time to check the alignment. Otherwise, new tires can wear out quickly too. When I was younger, I skipped the alignment to save trouble, but the car kept pulling slightly to the right, costing more to fix later. I recommend checking the alignment regularly, like once a year, to extend tire life and ensure smoother driving. Related to this, alignment involves adjusting wheel angles, which affects handling safety, so don't overlook it.

[MacHadley]

As a young driver, I also struggled with whether to get an alignment when changing tires. If your car drives normally without noticeable pulling, you can skip the alignment for now. New tires are already expensive enough, no need for extra costs. But keep an eye on tire wear—if you notice the inner or outer edges wearing faster, it might be due to alignment issues causing uneven wear. My friend skipped it entirely, and within two months, his new tires were ruined, costing even more in repairs. So, to be safe, have the technician check the suspension system during the tire change to determine if an alignment is needed. This balances cost and safety, extending tire life. Also, alignment prices vary, so shopping around can save you money.

[ZoeLynn]

Safety comes first, especially when family members are in the car. When getting new tires, I usually have the alignment checked to ensure proper wheel alignment and avoid unstable handling. Misalignment increases the risk of skidding and affects braking distance, which is particularly dangerous in rain or snow. While not mandatory with every tire change, installing new tires presents a good opportunity to inspect and adjust alignment angles. From my experience, regular alignment extends tire lifespan and significantly improves ride smoothness. Don’t overlook this small investment—it also benefits related aspects like chassis health.