Is Wheel Alignment Necessary After Installing New Tires?
2 Answers
Wheel alignment is necessary after installing new tires. Generally, wheel alignment is required under the following six circumstances: 1. After replacing new tires or repairing collision damage. 2. After replacing steering system components. 3. After replacing or adjusting the suspension system. 4. When there is uneven wear on one side of the front or rear tires. 5. When the steering wheel feels excessively heavy, floats, or shakes while driving. 6. When the car drifts to the left or right while driving straight. Proper wheel alignment can improve the following aspects: 1. Enhance driving safety and reduce abnormal tire wear. 2. Keep the steering wheel straight while driving straight and ensure it returns to the correct position after turning. 3. Improve handling enjoyment, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize wear on the suspension system.
I recommend getting a wheel alignment after installing new tires, as it's quite important. Every time I get new tires, I have the repair shop check the alignment because if the new tires don't match the wheel angles, they can wear out extremely fast—one side might wear down much quicker than the other. Without alignment, you might notice the steering wheel pulling slightly to the right or left while driving, especially feeling unstable during high-speed turns. This not only wastes the lifespan of your new tires but also forces you to replace them sooner, which is just not cost-effective. I have a few friends who skipped the alignment, and within half a year, they found their tire treads completely worn out. They ended up having to redo the alignment anyway, costing them extra money. So, from the perspective of your car's overall performance, spending a little on an alignment to extend the life of your new tires is definitely the smarter choice.
