Is Wheel Alignment Necessary After Tire Rotation?
2 Answers
Tire rotation does not require wheel alignment. The purpose of rotating the four wheels is to ensure more even wear across all tires. Wheel alignment involves adjusting the positioning of the steering wheels, steering knuckles, and front axle based on the vehicle's four-wheel parameters to ensure optimal driving performance and reliability. Tires are a crucial component of a vehicle, directly impacting driving stability and safety, as they are the only part of the car that makes contact with the road. Being made of rubber, tires are subject to aging over time, which is why they need to be replaced periodically.
As an average driver, I often pay attention to car maintenance. Tire rotation means regularly swapping the positions of the tires front to back and side to side to prevent excessive wear on one side. However, rotation itself doesn't require a wheel alignment, since alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels to ensure the car drives straight without pulling. Once, I drove right after a rotation and noticed the steering wheel felt slightly off-center on the highway, and the tires were wearing unevenly. A later alignment check revealed the issue. The mechanic said if the tire wear pattern is normal and the car handles well after rotation, there's no rush for an alignment. But if the tires were already wearing unevenly or the car was pulling before rotation, it's best to get an alignment check at the same time. Alignment isn't expensive, and delaying it might cost more in new tires and compromise safety. It's recommended to check tire condition every six months for peace of mind and savings.
