When Should a Car Undergo Four-Wheel Alignment?
2 Answers
Four-wheel alignment is necessary under the following circumstances: 1. The steering wheel is not centered when driving straight on a flat road; 2. The vehicle drifts to the left or right when driving straight on a flat road; 3. Abnormal tire wear or severe tire scrubbing occurs; 4. The vehicle body experiences unstable bouncing; 5. The steering wheel shakes from side to side; 6. There is a floating sensation while driving; 7. The vehicle has been involved in a collision; 8. When replacing suspension components, steering system parts, control arms, or other chassis components. The installation of a car's steering wheels, steering knuckles, and front axle has specific relative positioning, which is referred to as steering wheel alignment, also known as front-wheel alignment.
Checking tire wear before every drive, I realize how crucial wheel alignment is! When driving, if you feel the car pulling to one side or the steering wheel isn't straight, it's time for an alignment. Back when I helped friends with car repairs, I saw many cases where skipping post-accident alignment led to unstable steering and major issues. Also, always get an alignment after installing new tires to ensure proper alignment and avoid uneven wear that wastes money. Regular maintenance is key—I recommend checking the suspension system every 10,000-20,000 km. Plus, faster wear on one side of a tire or vibration sensations are clear alignment signals. Overall, timely action saves repair costs and ensures safer, more comfortable driving.
