One of the most important aspects of car maintenance is ensuring that your wheels and tires are in proper alignment. However, many drivers wonder if they need to get a wheel alignment when they purchase new tires. The short answer is yes, but let's explore why that is.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This ensures that your tires are making proper contact with the road and that your car is driving straight. When your wheels are not properly aligned, it can cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even affect your car's fuel efficiency.
There are three main types of wheel alignment: camber, caster, and toe. Camber refers to the angle of the wheels when viewed from the front or rear of the car. Caster refers to the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the car. Toe refers to the angle of the wheels when viewed from above. All three of these angles need to be properly adjusted for your wheels to be in alignment.
Why Do You Need a Wheel Alignment with New Tires?
Even if you purchase new tires, it's still important to get a wheel alignment. This is because the act of replacing your tires can throw off your wheel alignment. When your old tires are removed, the suspension of your car will settle into a different position. This can cause your wheels to become misaligned, even if they were perfectly aligned before the new tires were installed.
In addition, if your old tires were worn unevenly due to improper alignment, that misalignment will still be present even with new tires. This means that your new tires could wear unevenly as well if you don't get a wheel alignment. By getting a wheel alignment when you install new tires, you can ensure that your new tires will wear evenly and last as long as possible.
When Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?
It's generally recommended to get a wheel alignment every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, there are certain situations where you may need to get a wheel alignment more frequently. These include:
1. After hitting a pothole or curb
If you hit a pothole or curb hard enough, it can throw off your wheel alignment. Even if you don't notice any immediate problems, it's a good idea to get a wheel alignment just to be safe.
2. After replacing suspension components
If you replace any suspension components, such as struts or ball joints, it's important to get a wheel alignment to ensure that everything is properly aligned.
3. If you notice uneven tire wear
If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, it's a sign that your wheels may be out of alignment. Getting a wheel alignment can help prevent further uneven wear and extend the life of your tires.
Conclusion
Getting a wheel alignment is an important part of car maintenance, even when you purchase new tires. By ensuring that your wheels are properly aligned, you can prevent uneven tire wear, improve handling, and even increase fuel efficiency. If you're unsure if you need a wheel alignment, it's always a good idea to consult with a trusted mechanic.
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