Do I Need An Alignment After Replacing Tires?

Table Of Contents

1. Signs of Wheel Misalignment
2. How Do You Know If Your Car Needs an Alignment?
3. Benefits of Alignment
4. How Long Does It Take to Have an Alignment?
5. FAQs

To ensure that we will have the best experience in driving, we install new tires on our car. This is also the one thing that we can do to have proper maintenance for our car.

But do we also need an alignment? Should we have it after replacing tires?

You should know that wheel alignment is very recommended after the installation of new tires. Your tires can have their tire life to the fullest.

This is especially needed if you drive on rough roads. But you do not have to necessarily have an alignment after replacing tires.

Because installation of new tires may cause misalignment, you may need to have an alignment. But if it is a small problem, you can just rotate your tires.

If you want to learn things about alignment, you can watch the following video:

Signs of Wheel Misalignment

Installation of new tires
You have lifted your vehicle
Suspension parts have been shifted
A hard impact on the road
It has been a year since you had an alignment

How Do You Know If Your Car Needs an Alignment?

1. Uneven Wear

If your tires wear out faster, it is a sign that you need an alignment. It does not matter if the uneven wear is only on one tire or two.

2. Shaking Steering Wheel

If there is a vibration on the steering wheel, you should get an alignment.

3. Off-centered Steering Wheel

If your steering wheel points in a different direction, an alignment is needed.

4. Pulling to the Left or Right

If your vehicle sways even if you are not holding the steering wheel, it calls for an alignment.

5. Uneven Tire Wear

When the tread of your tires is wearing, an alignment is required. This happens when you drive erratically.

Benefits of Alignment

1. Even Tread Wear

You can ascertain that all your four tires will wear evenly. This can make the lifespan of your tires longer.

2. Safe Braking

You can have a good braking performance through the alignment.

3. Safe Steering

You can handle your steering wheel better. You can have more control on it.

Want to know more about the benefits of alignment? Watch the following video:

How Long Does It Take to Have an Alignment?

Alignment may take an hour. It can be more than that, depending on the type of your vehicle.

Book an appointment with an auto repair center to be sure that you can have fast accommodation. Though, it can take you weeks to take your vehicle to the shop.

FAQs

How Long After You Get New Tires Should You Get an Alignment?

You can have wheel alignment after 1 to 2 years. If your tires are not worn out, you can have an alignment every year.

What is the Cost of Wheel Alignment?

If you will have front-end alignment, it can cost you $50 – $75. But if you will have four-wheel alignment, it can cost you $100 – $150.

When Should I Need an Alignment?

When you get uncomfortable on the steering wheel, then it may be time to get an alignment. Also when the tires are moving very little and have uneven wear.

How Often Should Alignment Be?

The recommendation of auto repair shops is to get your tires aligned every 2 or 3 years. To ascertain safety, you can have alignment at the times after you have an oil change.