Is Wheel Alignment Necessary After Tire Replacement?
2 Answers
Wheel alignment is not necessarily required after tire replacement. Changing the rims and tires actually only affects the overall wheel balance, with no impact on the suspension. Replacing rims and tires merely alters the wheel's characteristics, and a wheel balance is sufficient. Wheel alignment, on the other hand, pertains to the suspension's characteristics. As long as the dimensions remain consistent, wheel alignment is unnecessary. Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angle coefficients of the vehicle's chassis system and is a maintenance procedure. The alignment process adjusts various component coefficients, altering the original settings of the vehicle parts. Inaccurate wheel alignment parameters may cause uneven tire wear, leading to the risk of tire blowouts.
After changing tires, it's not always necessary to get a wheel alignment immediately. With my extensive driving experience, I always consider the necessity of alignment each time I change tires. Simply put, changing tires itself doesn't directly affect the wheel angles, so if there are no abnormalities right after installation, you can save that expense. However, alignment adjusts the direction and position of the wheels to ensure even tire contact with the road. If the car was already pulling slightly or the tires were wearing unevenly before the change, skipping alignment with new tires will quickly lead to uneven wear again, wasting money and compromising safety. Especially at high speeds, an unstable steering wheel increases risks. I recommend having the shop check the alignment when changing tires—if the numbers are normal, then it's fine, but if there are signs of misalignment, spending a couple hundred bucks is worth it to extend tire life by tens of thousands of kilometers.
