What are the reasons for performing a wheel alignment?

[VanHarley]

There are several reasons for performing a wheel alignment, as detailed below: 1. The vehicle's driving performance is affected. The most direct experience for the driver is the vehicle pulling to one side or the steering wheel not returning to center automatically. 2. Damage to the chassis and suspension caused by an accident. 3. Abnormal tire wear, but it's also necessary to consider whether abnormal wear is due to incorrect tire pressure. Generally, over-inflation increases wear on the center of the tread, while under-inflation increases wear on both sides of the tread; if one side shows uneven wear, it may indicate a deviation in the camber angle. 4. Components of the axle and suspension have been removed. Below is more information about wheel alignment: Wheel alignment is divided into two parts: inspection and adjustment. Checking wheel alignment is a routine maintenance item, generally recommended every 20,000 kilometers. If the parameters are normal, it means the relative positions of the wheels, steering knuckles, and frame are correct, or the deviation angles are within the normal range, and no adjustment is needed. However, if the data deviation is significant and exceeds the normal range, then a wheel alignment adjustment is required.

[VonIsabela]

Many fellow car enthusiasts often ask me why wheel alignment is necessary, so I'd like to share some insights. The most common reason is when a vehicle hits road barriers or is involved in an accident, causing the axle to deform and go out of alignment. Frequent driving on bumpy roads, such as daily encounters with speed bumps or potholes, can lead to loosening and displacement of the suspension system due to repeated impacts. Aging suspension components, like worn-out ball joints or springs, can also disrupt wheel angles. When installing new tires or rims, improper setup may require realignment. Aggressive driving habits, such as sharp turns, hard braking, or rapid acceleration, can accelerate alignment issues. The consequences include uneven tire wear, steering wheel misalignment or vibration, which are not only dangerous but also increase fuel consumption. Regular inspections and alignment every 20,000 kilometers can prevent these problems, saving both hassle and money in the long run.

[Roy]

I remember my car used to pull to the left all the time, with the steering wheel leaning left. Later, when I took it for repairs, I learned it needed wheel alignment. The mechanic said it was caused by hitting curbs or potholes during daily driving – too many impacts deformed the suspension system. Another time, after replacing the tie rod, the wheel angles were thrown off and had to be recalibrated. Now the tires wear out faster, with the inner edges mostly worn down, and fuel consumption has increased slightly. Since then, I've learned to drive carefully, avoiding hard impacts, and I always ask the service staff to check the alignment during routine maintenance. I get the alignment adjusted about once a year – the car handles more steadily, and its lifespan has extended. Don’t ignore small issues; they become costlier to fix over time.

[LaAdaline]

As a speed enthusiast, I know aggressive driving can throw wheel alignment out of whack. For example, tires screech during high-speed turns, and the suspension bears heavier loads during hard braking or acceleration, causing components to deform faster. Frequent mountain road runs or bumpy suburban routes with potholes also easily misalign wheels. Over time, this leads to uneven tire wear, reduced handling responsiveness, and steering wheel pull. After realignment, performance rebounds—corners feel smoother. Drive carefully to avoid hard impacts that demand frequent repairs. Regular alignments save tires and extend their lifespan.