Under What Circumstances is Wheel Alignment Necessary?
3 Answers
Wheel alignment is required in the following situations: 1. Damage to the chassis and suspension caused by an accident; 2. Replacement of steering system components; 3. Uneven wear on one side of the front or rear tires; 4. Replacement of certain chassis parts, such as tie rods or suspension components; 5. The vehicle pulls to the left or right when driving straight. Wheel alignment is a maintenance procedure based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle. It ensures optimal driving performance and reliability by adjusting these parameters, helping the car maintain stable straight-line driving and easy steering while reducing tire and steering component wear. Wheel alignment is an essential repair method.
In my years of driving experience, I've found that every time I get new tires, the mechanic recommends a wheel alignment. This is because if the wheel angles aren't properly adjusted after installing new tires, the tire wear becomes uneven, shortening their lifespan. Additionally, if the car has been in an accident or hit rough road surfaces, such as scraping against a curb resulting in a crooked steering wheel or the car constantly pulling to one side, it's essential to get it checked immediately. I remember once driving through a muddy section on a rainy day; after the bumpy ride, the car felt unstable. When I took it for repair, it turned out to be an alignment issue. If left unaddressed for long, not only will the tires wear out faster, but it will also increase fuel consumption, affect braking distance, and pose safety hazards. It's advisable to get an alignment check every 10,000-20,000 kilometers or after modifying suspension components, which can save a lot on maintenance costs.
As a young car owner, I find this annoying but can't ignore it. Usually, after getting new tires, the shop recommends an alignment, and I obediently go for it—otherwise, the new tires wear out quickly, costing me big. If I accidentally scrape a curb while driving on the highway, causing the steering to pull to one side or the wheel to be off-center, I have to fix it immediately. Otherwise, driving becomes exhausting and dangerous. Uneven tire wear—thicker on one side and thinner on the other—clearly indicates an alignment issue. Ignoring it not only shortens tire lifespan but also forces me to spend more on replacements, not to mention higher fuel consumption. I usually avoid bumpy roads to prevent stressing the suspension system and affecting alignment. In short, whenever these issues arise, it's time to take action to maintain good car condition.
