Since I started working as a mechanic, I’ve encountered many people who are unsure about whether their tires need to be aligned. Here are the facts to help you cut through the confusion.
The alignment of new tires does not always need to be performed, but it’s usually a wise decision. The reasons are as follows:
- Misalignment does not occur with new tires
- In many cases, however, owners are unaware that their cars are out of alignment.
- Your investment in new tires can be protected with an alignment
In order to get a better understanding of alignment, let’s first clarify it. The suspension components that control the tires are the key, not the tires themselves. In alignments, the following are adjusted:
- Camber: Viewed from the front, a tire’s inward or outward tilt
- Toe: When viewed from above, the tires point inward or outward
- Result of tilting the steering axis forwards or backwards
In addition to affecting tire wear, fuel efficiency, and handling, these angles have an impact on how the tires contact the road.
The Best Time to Get Your Tires Aligned
A new set of tires should be aligned in several scenarios, according to my professional opinion:
- Uneven wear on old tires: Your car may be out of alignment if your old tires show signs of uneven wear. Make sure you do not do the same to your new tires.
- You’ve been out of alignment for over a year: Even without major incidents, alignment can shift gradually.
- Potholes or curbs you have hit recently: Impacts like these may cause your alignment to get thrown off.
- A car pulling to one side: An alignment issue is evident here.
- The vehicle is vibrating: In addition to balance issues, alignment issues could be causing the vibration.
Alignment Skippable Situations
A new set of tires can sometimes be ridden without an alignment:
- There was no uneven wear on your old tires
- The last year has been filled with alignments
- No handling issues have been noticed by you
- No major impacts have been sustained by your vehicle
It is still recommended, however, to have your alignment checked in these cases. There is little downside to getting a free alignment check from many shops.
Risks of skipping alignment
In the event that alignment is not performed when it is necessary, the following issues can arise:
| Risk | Consequence |
| Premature tire wear | An increase in tire costs and a reduction in tire lifespan |
| Poor fuel efficiency | Costs of fuel are rising |
| Compromised handling | Particularly during emergency maneuvers, there are safety risks |
| Uneven road contact | Wet conditions result in reduced traction |
The Cost Factor
Alignment costs are often a sticking point for customers. Here’s how it works:
- $75-$200 is the average cost of alignment
- Tires cost between $400 and $1,000 on average
The alignment of your tires is a much smaller investment compared to your tires, which cost much more. It is also possible to offset some of the costs of alignment over time, in addition to increasing fuel efficiency.
The dangers of DIY alignment
Several DIY enthusiasts have tried to align themselves. Let me be clear: this is a bad idea unless you’ve got professional equipment. You’ll see why:
- A precise alignment is crucial: Misalignments of even a few degrees can lead to problems
- It requires special equipment: tape measures and strings won’t suffice
- Taking photos is time-consuming: It might take you an entire day to do what takes a professional an hour
- Risks of damage: Damage to suspension components can occur when improper adjustments are made
The professionals should handle this job, trust me.
Alignment Deals That Last a Lifetime
A lifetime alignment deal may be offered at some shops. There are some reservations I have about these, however:
- Quality concerns: Quick, substandard work can be encouraged by these deals
- Limited scope: Some don’t include adjustments requiring replacement of parts
- Fine print: For some, maintaining the “lifetime” status requires regular visits
Rather than taking advantage of these specials, I recommend paying for a top-notch alignment as needed.
Front-end vs four-wheel alignment
There is also a question I often get regarding the need for four-wheel alignments. My thoughts are as follows:
- It’s best to align your car at four wheels, especially if you have an independent rear suspension
- Tire wear and handling are affected by rear wheel alignment even on front-wheel drives
- In order to maximize tire life and performance, four-wheel alignment is a worthwhile investment
An Alignment Checklist
Having a professional check it is the best way to ensure alignment, however, you should watch out for some warning signs:
- Tire wear that is uneven, particularly on the edges of the tire
- Drive straight, level roads and you will notice your car pulling to one side
- Straight-ahead driving throws off the center of your steering wheel
- The noise or vibration of the road has increased
- There is a feeling of looseness or “sloppiness” in your steering
The following signs indicate that you need an alignment check from a professional.
Process of Alignment
Alignments can help you appreciate their importance if you understand what happens during them:
- Measuring initial alignment: Your technician measures your alignment at the moment
- Adjustment: Manufacturer-specified adjustments are made to various suspension components
- Road test: A test drive is conducted to ensure that the vehicle handles properly
- Final check: Alignment measurements are repeated to make sure everything is in order
Measurements before and after are provided by a good shop. Please do not hesitate to request them in order to verify that the job was done correctly.
Tire rotation and alignment
While we’re at it, let’s talk about rotation while we’re at it. Points to keep in mind:
- It is recommended that you rotate your tire frequently (usually every 5,000-8,000 miles).
- The rotation pattern of your tires depends on the type of vehicle you own
- It is important to rotate tires properly to ensure even wear and maximize tire life
- Optimizing tire performance requires alignment and rotation
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Conclusion
As a result of years in the tire industry, I believe alignment is an important part of a new tire purchase. Put it on your new tires like an insurance policy. Tire replacement prematurely due to misalignment costs much more than alignment.
On the other hand, I don’t believe in spending money on unnecessary services. Unless you notice any handling issues from your old tires, you may not need to get them aligned. If it is not possible to have it aligned, then at least take it to a shop that does so for free.
There is only one point of contact between you and the road, and that is your tires. A properly aligned rig will ensure that they function for the longest possible time and in the safest possible manner. The importance of this should not be underestimated.
