Should Wheel Alignment Be Done After Changing Tires?
3 Answers
Wheel alignment is not necessary after changing tires. Situations that require wheel alignment include: 1. Damage to the chassis and suspension caused by an accident; 2. Replacement of the steering system and its components; 3. Unilateral wear on the front or rear tires; 4. Replacement or adjustment of the suspension system. The steps for performing wheel alignment are: 1. Connect the power and turn on the machine; 2. Attach the target to the wheel, with the target facing the camera; 3. Click to enter the measurement program on the computer page; 4. Open the camera to confirm if the target is positioned correctly, and adjust if necessary; 5. Click to measure and follow the prompts to obtain the measurement data; 6. Adjust the total front speed vehicle data to the green standard range.
I often get asked whether a wheel alignment is necessary after changing tires. From my years of experience working with cars, I highly recommend doing it. The reason is simple: if the wheels are already misaligned when new tires are installed, the suspension system can be disturbed, leading to the car pulling to one side or uneven tire wear. Imagine wearing new shoes without checking your gait—over time, your feet will hurt. The same goes for your car; improper alignment can cause unstable steering and compromise safety. This is especially dangerous at high speeds when the steering wheel might suddenly start shaking. I've seen too many car owners try to save money by skipping alignment, only to end up with severely worn tires on one side after a few thousand kilometers, forcing them to spend more on replacements. My advice is to have a professional shop check the alignment every time you get new tires. It's a small expense that can save you major headaches. Making this a habit will ensure smoother driving and better fuel efficiency.
Personally, I think if the car has no issues like pulling to one side or abnormal tire noises after changing tires, you can skip the wheel alignment for now. I'm a pragmatic car owner who always keeps an eye on maintenance budgets. For example, alignment costs around 100-200 RMB each time—not expensive, but savings add up. However, if you noticed the steering wheel was off-center before or uneven tire wear prior to replacement, alignment is a must. Otherwise, new tires will wear out quickly, wasting money. From experience, new cars or models driven steadily tend to have fewer alignment issues. But older cars with a few years of use may have loose suspensions, and tire changes can reveal hidden problems. I've skipped alignment a few times with no short-term issues, but long-term caution is needed. In short, decide based on your car's condition—don't get upsold by shops.
