Is Wheel Alignment Necessary After Changing Tires?
2 Answers
Wheel alignment is not necessary after changing tires; only wheel balancing is required. Situations that do require wheel alignment include: 1. When the vehicle's steering wheel feels heavy, shakes, pulls to one side, is off-center, or doesn't return to position while driving; 2. Uneven tire pressure and tread wear; 3. Wheel vibration or wobbling; 4. The vehicle pulling to one side. The benefits of wheel alignment are: 1. Enhanced driving comfort; 2. Extended tire lifespan; 3. Improved straight-line stability; 4. Reduced wear on chassis suspension components; 5. Increased driving safety. The principle behind wheel alignment is to adjust the vehicle's four-wheel parameters to ensure optimal driving performance and reliability.
In vehicle maintenance, I believe that a wheel alignment isn't always necessary immediately after changing tires. Wheel alignment adjusts the tilt of the wheels to ensure smooth driving. If your car drove straight and the tire wear was even before the tire change, simply replacing the tires is sufficient, saving some money. However, if the vehicle has a history of impact or if you notice the steering pulling to one side or the body shaking after changing tires, an alignment check is essential. Delaying alignment can cause rapid wear on one side of the new tires, reducing grip, increasing braking distance, and even raising the risk of accidents. Generally, checking every few tens of thousands of kilometers or when abnormal signs appear is sufficient. Avoiding hitting curbs when parking and driving less on rough roads can reduce the need for alignment, protecting tire lifespan and driving safety.
