When Should Wheel Alignment Be Performed?
2 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. Wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusted to ensure optimal driving performance and certain reliability. Below are relevant details: 1. The installation of a car's steering wheels, steering knuckles, and front axle maintains specific relative positions - this configuration is called steering wheel alignment, also known as front wheel alignment. 2. Front wheel alignment includes four components: caster angle, kingpin inclination angle, camber angle, and toe-in. Similarly, rear wheels also have specific installation positions relative to the rear axle, referred to as rear wheel alignment, comprising camber angle and individual rear wheel toe-in. Collectively, front wheel alignment and rear wheel alignment are termed four-wheel alignment.
After getting new tires, I always make sure to get a wheel alignment. If the alignment is off when new tires are installed, the tires wear out alarmingly fast. I learned this the hard way when I skipped it before—one side of the tires was completely worn down in just a few months, wasting money for nothing. Also, after hitting a curb or being in a minor accident, it’s essential to check the wheel alignment angles. Otherwise, the steering wheel may pull to the right or left, making driving feel unstable. For regular maintenance, I usually get an alignment every 10,000 kilometers or so to prevent uneven wear. Tire inspection is crucial—check if the tread depth is even across the tires. If it’s uneven, that’s a clear sign to take action. A proper wheel alignment can extend tire life by one or two years, saving money and hassle while making highway driving safer and more reassuring. These practices have helped me avoid a lot of trouble.
