Are you supposed to get an alignment after new tires?
The short answer is yes—in most cases, a wheel alignment is highly recommended after getting new tires. It may not always be required, but skipping it can compromise the lifespan of your new investment. Yes, it is recommended to get a four-wheel alignment when you fit new tyres. Even brand new tyres can be affected by improper wheel alignment, which can lead to uneven tyre wear, increased fuel consumption and poor handling.As a general guideline, most vehicles benefit from a wheel alignment every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or about once a year. This schedule often lines up with routine tire rotations or oil changes, making it easier to remember.A wheel alignment isn’t just about keeping your car driving straight; it’s an investment in your vehicle’s overall health and your wallet. With proper alignment, you’ll experience: Improved Fuel Efficiency: Less rolling resistance means better gas mileage.As Part of Regular Maintenance: Many experts recommend including wheel alignment checks as part of your routine maintenance. This can be done every 10,000 kilometers or as suggested by your vehicle’s manufacturer.Wheel alignment (or tracking) is an important part of car maintenance. It refers to the angle and direction at which your tyres are set.
What is the best type of wheel alignment?
Many tyre fitters consider a front-end-only alignment unsuited to modern cars due to its incomplete nature and may refuse to offer it. Tyreright recommends that you always have a Thrust or Four-wheel Alignment. Traditionally, five alignment angles are checked at the front wheels-caster, camber, toe, steering axis inclination (SAI) and toe-out on turns. When we move from two-wheel to four-wheel alignment, we add setback and the vehicle thrust angle into the equation.Thrust Alignment: A thrust alignment is the most accurate alignment for vehicles without adjustable rear suspension. Only the front wheels are adjusted. Here’s how: There’s no guarantee both rear wheels are pointed straight ahead as they should be. One may be pointed exactly forward and the other slightly off.
Can you replace tires without an alignment?
While it’s not mandatory, it is highly recommended. New tires, if not properly aligned, can wear unevenly and may not provide optimal performance. Yes, you can get an alignment before buying new tires. It doesn’t matter whether you get your alignment before or after having your new tires put on.
Is a tire alignment the same as balancing?
Both are essential for a smooth drive, but they refer to different services. Tire balancing addresses weight imbalances in your tire and wheel assemblies, while alignment adjusts the angles of the tires to ensure optimal contact with the road. Wheel Balancing is included in the tyre fitting process when new tyres are purchased. However, Wheel Alignment is a separate service that is detached from the tyre fitting process. However, when you are having new tyres fitted, you can request a free wheel alignment check, to see if there are any issues present.Technicians agree that getting your tires balanced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles (or as your manufacturer recommends) can help extend their lifespan and improve their performance. Wheel alignment benefits, on the other hand, include improved vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life.
Does tire alignment affect steering?
Misaligned wheels can cause the steering wheel to pull, challenging you to maintain a straight path. This not only increases driver fatigue but also compromises handling. The critical angles—camber, caster, and toe—must be precisely set, as even slight deviations can significantly impair steering dynamics. If a wheel is out of balance, it will cause a vibration that can felt in the steering wheel and/or seat, while a wheel out of alignment can cause excessive tire wear as well as steering problems. Wheel alignment consists of adjusting the wheel angles so they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other.Hitting a pothole, going over big bumps, rubbing up against a curb or rolling over debris can also push wheels out of alignment. Additionally, aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, bent or worn suspension/steering parts, or a slight fender-bender can trigger misalignment.Yes. When your wheels are out of alignment, they are often pulling against each other or being partly dragged along the road surface. This can have several consequences for the car’s handling and feel, including a steering wheel that vibrates or the whole car shaking as it goes down the motorway.If your steering wheel feels uneven while you’re cruising straight, it’s a strong hint that your vehicle’s alignment might be off. You might notice the steering wheel doesn’t quite snap back to center after you turn, or it leans to one side as you drive down a straight, flat road.