When Should Wheel Alignment Be Performed?
2 Answers
Wheel alignment is necessary for a vehicle under the following circumstances: 1. New vehicles should undergo wheel alignment after 3 months of driving, and subsequently every 10,000 kilometers, when tires are rotated, or after a collision. 2. Wheel alignment is required when the vehicle exhibits symptoms such as heavy steering, pulling to one side, abnormal tire wear, or steering wheel vibration. Additional information about wheel alignment includes: 1. Wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusted to ensure good driving performance and certain reliability. 2. Proper wheel alignment ensures flexible steering, comfortable ride, maintains straight-line driving, extends tire life, and reduces road-induced vibrations.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and wheel alignment is quite important. It's typically done at several key moments. First is after changing tires—new tires need to be properly aligned to avoid uneven wear. Second is when you feel the steering wheel is constantly off-center or the car pulls to one side, which suggests checking the alignment. Third is after an accident, like hitting a curb or a deep pothole, which may damage the suspension. Fourth is during routine maintenance, usually every 10,000–20,000 kilometers or once a year, mainly for prevention. Also, if you notice abnormal vibrations or rapid inner tire wear while driving, it's a sign to visit the repair shop. Neglecting alignment shortens tire life and increases fuel consumption—don’t wait until an accident happens on the highway to regret it. Each alignment costs around a hundred bucks, ensuring peace of mind and safety. I've stuck to regular checks from my old car to my new one.
