When Does a Car Need a Four-Wheel Alignment?
3 Answers
A car needs a four-wheel alignment under the following circumstances: damage to the chassis and suspension, tire wear, removal of axle or suspension components, and vehicle pulling to one side. The purpose of wheel alignment is to ensure stable straight-line driving and easy steering, while reducing wear on tires and steering components during operation. Unlike regular maintenance, four-wheel alignment is a repair procedure and is unnecessary unless issues arise. It should only be performed when problems are detected. Four-wheel alignment uses the vehicle's four tires as a reference, adjusting parameters such as caster angle, kingpin inclination angle, front wheel camber, front wheel toe-in, and rear wheel toe-in to achieve a relatively balanced state for all four tires, thereby enhancing driving stability.
There are quite a few instances when a car needs a wheel alignment, and I've experienced several myself. For example, after getting new tires, it's essential to get an alignment immediately. Otherwise, if the angles are off, the new tires will wear unevenly right away, wasting hundreds of dollars for nothing. Also, if you feel the steering wheel is off-center or the car pulls to one side on a straight road, it's best to get it fixed promptly. Otherwise, driving becomes tiring and could potentially damage the frame. After an accident, don't take it lightly—even a minor collision that affects the chassis requires an alignment check to avoid safety issues. During regular maintenance, I also ask the technician to check if the tires show uneven wear on one side. If they wear out quickly, there's an 80% chance an adjustment is needed. In short, getting a routine alignment every 20,000 kilometers or so has become a habit for me—it saves money on tires and makes driving more stable.
I usually pay attention to my car's condition, and there are several key scenarios for getting a wheel alignment. Do it right after replacing tires or suspension components, as installation might not be precise. If tire wear shows uneven thickness or patterns, it indicates misalignment, affecting traction. After an accident or collision, the chassis might be deformed, causing the car to pull to one side. Also, during regular maintenance, like servicing, it's good to check alignment to prevent major issues. Safety first—misalignment can make the car unstable at high speeds or even increase the risk of a blowout. If you notice the steering wheel isn’t straight or the car vibrates excessively, it’s best to fix it immediately. It’s not expensive, and early intervention can be life-saving.
