When Should Wheel Alignment Be Performed?
4 Answers
New vehicles should undergo wheel alignment promptly after 3 months of driving and after any collision occurs, with tire rotation recommended every 10,000 kilometers. Additional information about wheel alignment is as follows: 1. Wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusted to ensure optimal driving performance and certain reliability. 2. The installation of a car's steering wheels, steering knuckles, and front axle has specific relative positions. This installation with specific relative positions is called steering wheel alignment, also known as front wheel alignment. 3. Front wheel alignment includes four components: kingpin caster (angle), kingpin inclination (angle), front wheel camber (angle), and front wheel toe-in. Similarly, the two rear wheels also have relative positions in their installation with the rear axle, known as rear wheel alignment, which includes wheel camber (angle) and sequential rear wheel toe-in. Collectively, front wheel alignment and rear wheel alignment are referred to as four-wheel alignment.
From my 20+ years of driving experience, wheel alignment doesn't really have a fixed schedule—it's all about the car's condition. You definitely need it when installing new tires because misaligned wheels will wear them out quickly, wasting your money. If you notice slight steering wheel drift or constant pulling to one side while driving, get it checked immediately. Also, after hitting big potholes or curbs, your wheels may go out of alignment. Don't forget regular checks—I do mine every 20,000 km or once a year. This extends tire life, improves handling, and saves fuel while boosting safety on highways. Don't delay until the inner tire tread wears through—repairs get expensive then.
I believe safety should always come first. Once a car is involved in a collision or experiences rough road conditions, the wheel alignment can become misaligned, leading to unstable handling and even the risk of tire blowouts. Therefore, after an accident, a four-wheel alignment must be performed immediately, along with checking tire wear: if the tires wear faster on one side or the inner edges, resembling uneven wear, it's a warning sign. I recommend paying close attention to the handling feel during regular driving and addressing any abnormalities early—don’t wait until rainy days when hydroplaning becomes a hazard. Regular inspections every 15,000 kilometers can prevent issues, as proper wheel alignment ensures more reliable braking and steering.
I think wheel alignment should be done sparingly, no need to do it frequently. Usually spending 100-200 yuan for one alignment when getting new tires is enough; or only consider it when there's uneven tire wear, like the inner side wearing faster than the outer side. If your daily driving doesn't involve major bumps or issues, don't waste money unnecessarily. I'm in the habit of monitoring dashboard fuel consumption - if it suddenly increases, misaligned wheels might be the culprit, making it worthwhile to check then. Remember, choosing a reliable repair shop helps avoid getting ripped off and saves a lot on maintenance costs.
