What is the recommended interval for wheel alignment?
3 Answers
The recommended interval for wheel alignment is once a year or every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers. Situations that require wheel alignment include: 1. Damage to the chassis and suspension caused by an accident; 2. Replacement of the steering system or its components; 3. Unilateral wear on the front or rear tires; 4. Replacement or adjustment of the suspension system. Wheel alignment involves adjusting the geometric angles of the tires, steering, and suspension components to ensure tight contact between the tires and the ground. The steps for performing a wheel alignment are: 1. Connect the power and turn on the machine; 2. Attach the target to the wheels, 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 correctly positioned, and adjust if necessary; 5. Click to measure and follow the prompts to obtain the measurement data; 6. Adjust the total toe data of the vehicle to the standard green range.
When it comes to the frequency of wheel alignment, I believe there's no fixed schedule, but for safety reasons, I insist on getting it checked once a year or every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers. As an experienced driver with years behind the wheel, I've encountered issues caused by neglecting alignment: noticeable steering wheel pull when the vehicle drifts, uneven wear on the inner edges of tires, and increased instability at high speeds, which raises risks. Regular alignment adjusts wheel angles—like camber and toe—ensuring tires remain parallel to the road surface and reducing abnormal friction. This not only extends tire life (saving thousands in replacement costs) but also improves handling stability, making braking more reliable in emergencies. Modern car sensor systems will alert you to abnormalities, but even without warnings, I recommend proactive alignments, especially after driving on rough terrain. In short, making it a habit prevents accidents—I never joke about vehicle maintenance. Don’t wait for problems to arise; addressing them later costs more and compromises your safety.
I've been driving family cars for over a decade, and based on my experience, wheel alignment doesn't have a strict schedule. However, I always have it checked during oil changes, roughly every six months or 5,000 kilometers. Alignment is the process of adjusting wheel angles to prevent uneven tire wear. Neglecting it can lead to vehicle drift, steering wheel vibration, and compromised driving feel. On my car, having the technician take a quick look during maintenance is inexpensive (just tens of yuan per check) but has saved me from major repairs. For instance, after a rough road damaged my suspension, realignment extended my tire life by 20,000 kilometers. Daily driving bumps and collisions can throw off alignment parameters, so I recommend not delaying it too long. Regular alignment saves money and provides peace of mind, keeping the vehicle as smooth as new. For DIY checks: Simply observe if tire tread wear is symmetrical, and seek professional service promptly if abnormalities appear for optimal efficiency.
