When Should You Get a Wheel Alignment for Your Car?
2 Answers
You need to perform a wheel alignment under the following circumstances: 1. After replacing tires: When installing new tires or swapping front and rear tires, in addition to wheel balancing, a wheel alignment is necessary to ensure the alignment data for all four wheels is accurate. 2. When the vehicle pulls to one side: If the car drifts left or right while driving, has noticeable steering play, or the steering wheel is at an angle, and wheel balancing is confirmed to be normal, it is likely that the wheel alignment data is off, requiring an alignment to correct the error. 3. After chassis repairs: When the suspension or axle components are disassembled and reassembled, slight displacements may occur, leading to deviations from the factory settings. In this case, a wheel alignment is needed to precisely adjust the angles of the chassis components. 4. After an accident: If the chassis or suspension is damaged in a traffic accident, a thorough inspection, including a wheel alignment, is essential.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I believe wheel alignment should be done promptly. For instance, stay alert when the steering wheel isn't centered—if you constantly have to pull it to one side to drive straight, the wheels are likely misaligned. Uneven tire wear is another common sign, like the inner edges wearing faster than the outer ones, which shortens tire lifespan and wastes money. I recommend checking every 20,000 kilometers or after installing new tires to maintain precise handling and reduce drifting. It's especially crucial during high-speed driving or rainy days, as it enhances stability and prevents accident risks. Don't slack on routine maintenance—delaying alignment issues can damage the suspension system and increase major repair costs. Make it a habit—it saves money and ensures safety.
