When we change the tires, many of us wonder “Do I need an Alignment after replacing tires?”
The Short Answer is Yes! you must definitely align your wheels. When I replaced my tires completely, I aligned wheels so that it is in sync.
Why Alignment is Important After Replacing Tires
Professionals advise to do alignment because it ensures that all wheels are properly touching the surface and doesn’t have any deviation in the steering. Do not ignore this.
Alignment ensures safety for your vehicle, smoother driving, tire longevity and also its good opportunity to check if there are any errors in the tires. So, always complete the wheel alignment after you replace tires.
❌Ignoring Alignment can cause
- Uneven tire wear
- Reduced lifespan of tire
- Safety issues
✅Benefits of Alignment
- Warranty protection
- Even wear of tires
- Better control
- Improved handling
- Safer cornering
Signs Your Car Needs an Alignment
Firstly, check when was the last time you had your wheels aligned. If it was more than 35,000 miles or 3 years, then probably you need to get it done soon. If you have been driving on a rough road for an year, then its time to do it.
Another sign is that you drive your car on a flat smooth road, and drive it straightly at 25mph and observe whether your wheels move slightly other side when your steering is straight? then you have to get your wheels aligned.
⚠️These are some of the common signs your car need an alignment
- Pulling to one side
- Uneven tire wear
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
- Noisy or squealing tires during turns
- Recent curb impact or pothole hit
When to Get an Alignment
Above are the most common reasons for you to get an alignment, also you might have noticed some noises while turn or you feel that the driving is not smooth, then its the time to get an alignment.
Below are the occasions
- After replacing tires
- Every 1-2 years as part of preventive maintenance.
- After suspension repairs or modifications.
- If signs of misalignment appear
How to Maintain Proper Alignment
Few simple preventive maintenance can save you a lot of $. Once you have replaced new tires and completed the alignment. You can make sure to check the tire pressure regularly. Schedule annual alignment inspections to make sure the safety of your family and your car. Avoid rough roads if possible, unless you have a rugged SUV built for that purpose and you periodically maintain your car.
You can maintain proper alignment by these below points
- Regular Tire pressure
- Annual alignment inspections
- Avoid rough roads
From an engineer and tire mechanic’s perspective, regular inspection and preventive maintenance will avoid problems of alignment.
Types of Tire Alignment
There are two types of alignment available 1. Digital and 2. Manual. Both have its own advantages and disadvantages. We live in an digital era. Digital alignment are more precise and little bit expensive. However its worth your dollars spent.
Digital alignment will give you far more accuracy and reliable for a long term. As an expert, I would advise you to go with it so that you can be worry free for at least some time.
In digital alignment, the mechanic lifts the car in a lift rack and adds the brackets and sensors to the each tire. Then the camera records all the measurement from the tire sensor.
The software comes with a pre loaded set of alignment parameter for each car manufacture and its model. Initially the steering wheel will be kept straight wither by the mechanic or they might ask you to keep it straight. Once this is done, you will have the final alignment completed
Conclusion
Wheel alignment is critical after you have replaced all the tires in your car. Alignment will ensure your worry free smooth driving as it will save you lots of dollars and avoid any unwanted issues as stated above in the article. Please ensure to ask question to your trusted mechanic to inspect the driveshaft, shocks, struts and suspension
I encourage you to regularly have an inspection from your trusted mechanic for smoother and safer driving.
Got questions? Leave a comment below!