How soon after getting new tires should I get an alignment?

How Soon After Getting New Tires Should I Get an Alignment?

 

If you’re getting new tires for your vehicle, then it’s always a great idea to consider getting a wheel alignment as well. While it might not seem necessary, the reality is that you want to make sure all of your tires are angled correctly with their new addition.

 

Misaligned tires can lead to a rough and bumpy ride, and accelerate wear and tear which will, in turn, shorten the lifespan of your tires.

 

Check out some of these tips when it comes to wheel alignment so you can make sure you’re getting as many miles as possible out of your new tires. 

Wheel Alignment Frequency

When it comes to wheel alignments, it’s recommended to get one every year, as well as if you’ve recently gotten a new set of tires. Driving in harsh conditions might also mean you should be getting alignments more frequently, so make sure you’re looking out for potential warning signs that you might need adjustments.

These include your vehicle veering from side to side as well as frequently running over potholes or uneven ground. Be sure to also check the manual of your vehicle to see what the recommendation is for alignment frequency.

Making sure you have your wheels frequently aligned can also help you save money in the long run- not just through reducing wear and tear, but also through helping you conserve fuel, given that misalignment can help decrease gas mileage by up to 10%.

Alignment for All Tires

Most modern vehicles require alignments to be done on all 4 wheels, whether they be trucks, vans, SUVs, or small cars. In rare cases with cars that have solid rear axles, only the front wheels can be aligned.

However, even in that instance where a two-wheel alignment is required, it’s still incredibly important to check for any issues on the rear axle which might impact driving capabilities.

Common Signs of Wheel Misalignments

There are a few different signs that your car might need a tire alignment. If you’re experiencing any of the below indicators, then it’s time to have your vehicle checked out by an ASE certified auto mechanic.

• You notice uneven tire wear
• Your steering wheel seems to be off-center even if you’re driving straight
• There’s a vibration in your steering wheel
• Your vehicle seems to be pulling to the left or the right

Other Reasons to Get Wheel Alignment Checked

Apart from keeping your eyes and ears peeled for warning signs, there are a number of other reasons you might want to get an alignment service. Those include the following:

• If you’ve recently gotten new tires
• If you’ve had suspension parts that impact tire angles adjusted or replaced
• If you’ve recently lifted or lowered your car
• If you’ve been driving on rough terrain
• If you’ve recently gotten into an accident or driven into something

The Process of Tire Alignment

When you get your tires aligned by a licensed technician, they are mainly checking 3 specific things. The first of these is the camber. The camber is the inward and outward angle that can be viewed from the front of the vehicle.

If there is too much inward or outward angling of the tire, this indicates that the alignment needs to be adjusted. Camber misalignment can be caused by wheel suspension issues as well as worn bearings or ball joints.

The next thing an auto technician will check for is toe alignment. Toe alignment can be recognized through inward or outward turning of the tires when viewed from above. The final check that your technician will do is evaluate the caster angle.

Caster alignment helps steering, cornering, and stability, and this angle can be viewed from the side of your vehicle when looking at the steering axis. Too much tilt in either the direction of the driver or towards the front of the vehicle can be problematic.

Wheel Alignment & More

If the time has come for you to check your vehicle’s wheel alignment, get in touch with us at Fred’s Auto Repair. Our expert auto repair technicians will provide for all of your vehicle maintenance needs, and we even have partnerships with local businesses to help you kill some time while you wait for your vehicle to be serviced.

Ask about our BG Fluid Lifetime Guaranty and other warranties available to keep a proper maintenance schedule. For our customers who live north of our original Briarcliff Manor facility, consider using our Shrub Oaks shop if it is more convenient.

Book your appointment today and let us help you make sure your vehicle is running safely and efficiently for the long haul!