Under What Circumstances Does a Vehicle Need a Wheel Alignment?
2 Answers
Circumstances under which a vehicle needs a wheel alignment: 1. When the vehicle has traveled 20,000 kilometers or one year, whichever comes first, a wheel alignment must be performed; 2. If you need to grip the steering wheel tightly to keep the vehicle from veering off course while driving straight on a flat road, a wheel alignment check is necessary; 3. If the vehicle feels unstable or floats during normal driving, similar to when turning or driving on rough roads, it is recommended to check and perform a wheel alignment; 4. If one side of the front or rear tires shows significant wear, a wheel alignment is also needed; 5. After installing new tires or following a collision, steering, or suspension system repair, it is advisable to perform a wheel alignment. Wheel alignment is based on the vehicle's four-wheel parameters and involves adjustments to ensure optimal driving performance and reliability.
I've experienced wheel alignment with several cars, and there are specific situations when it's advisable to get it checked. For example, if you notice uneven tire wear, with one side wearing out much faster, that's a clear sign. Or if the car has been in an accident, such as hitting a road barrier, the suspension might shift, affecting the alignment. Adjustments are also necessary when replacing suspension components. During daily driving, if you feel the steering wheel is heavy or the car pulls to one side, especially at high speeds, it's best to get it checked promptly. Regular maintenance is crucial too—I usually do it every 20,000 kilometers because misalignment can shorten tire life and waste fuel. Once, I delayed it, and the tires wore out prematurely, costing me hundreds extra for replacements. In short, don't wait until the problem gets serious.
