Under what circumstances should wheel alignment be performed?
2 Answers
Wheel alignment should be performed in the following situations: damage to the chassis and suspension, tire wear, removal of axle or suspension components, and vehicle pulling to one side. Wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, and adjustments are made to ensure good driving performance and a certain level of reliability. The purpose of wheel alignment is to maintain stable straight-line driving and easy steering, while reducing wear on tires and steering components during driving. Unlike regular maintenance, wheel alignment is a repair procedure and should only be performed when there is an issue with the vehicle. It is not necessary to perform wheel alignment if there are no problems with the vehicle.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered many situations that call for wheel alignment. The most common is when the steering wheel pulls the car to one side while driving, which is especially dangerous on highways. Another sign is uneven tire wear, where the inner side wears out noticeably faster than the outer side with uneven tread depth. After hitting roadside rocks or scraping curbs while parking, the alignment system can easily get disrupted, so it's important to check promptly. It's also recommended to get an alignment after installing new tires or repairing suspension components like shock absorbers to ensure proper alignment. Actually, getting an alignment every one or two years during regular maintenance is a good practice to prevent premature tire wear and save on fuel costs. Once, I neglected this issue and nearly had an accident due to unstable handling, which made me take it more seriously afterward. Spending a little money on regular checks can save you from costly repairs down the road.
