Is Wheel Alignment Necessary When Changing Tires?
3 Answers
Wheel alignment is not necessary when changing tires. Wheel alignment is required in the following situations: 1. Damage to the chassis and suspension caused by an accident; 2. Replacement of steering system and components; 3. Unilateral wear of front or rear tires; 4. Replacement or adjustment of the suspension system. Wheel alignment involves adjusting the geometric angles of the tires, steering, and suspension components to ensure tight contact between the tires and the ground. The benefits of wheel alignment include: 1. Enhanced driving safety; 2. Reduced tire wear; 3. Maintaining straight steering when driving straight; 4. Automatic return of the steering wheel after turning, improved driving control, reduced fuel consumption, and decreased wear on suspension components.
I've changed tires many times, so let me share my experience. Generally, wheel alignment isn't mandatory when replacing tires because alignment mainly adjusts wheel angles to ensure the car drives straight without pulling or shaking. If you're simply replacing tires without pre-existing issues like steering wheel misalignment, vehicle pulling, or uneven tire wear, you can definitely skip the alignment cost. However, if you notice severe wear on one side of the old tires during replacement, there's likely a suspension problem, making alignment necessary. Alignment isn't expensive, just around a hundred bucks, and it can prevent premature wear on new tires. In short, if your car normally drives fine, there's no rush for alignment after tire replacement, but I recommend having a mechanic briefly check the suspension condition—safety first.
Every time I change tires, I always get a wheel alignment done as well, just to be safe. The alignment ensures that the new tires wear evenly, extends their lifespan, and prevents uneven tire wear. If you skip the alignment, the car might have a slight drift that you don't notice right away, but the new tires could be ruined after just a few thousand kilometers—definitely not worth it. It's like getting a new phone case: if your phone has scratches, you might as well get a good protective case to prevent drops. Spending a few hundred on new tires and a little extra for alignment is a small price to pay to avoid bigger issues. Of course, if your car drives straight and the steering wheel centers properly, you might skip the alignment, but old habits die hard—I always prefer to go the extra mile. It's also a good idea to consult the repair shop; their equipment can give you more accurate recommendations.
