Do I Need a Wheel Alignment with New Tyres?

Buying new tyres can feel like a significant expense. Do you really need to pay for a wheel alignment too?

The answer is simply, yes. When buying new tyres you want to do all you can to achieve good tyre life. You also want to feel the performance benefits of your new tyres and this is best achieved through a wheel alignment at the time of fitting new tyres.

Why do New Tyres Need a Wheel Alignment?

There are certain tyre wear issues that even brand new tyres cannot avoid. A wheel alignment is considered to be an essential part of vehicle maintenance, which offers many benefits including:

• Enhanced performance
• Tyre longevity
• Smoother ride
• Improved vehicle safety

When you maintain a proper wheel alignment, you are helping to avoid unnecessary wear on your tyres, steering, suspension and brakes. As a result, it is recommended that you have a wheel alignment at the time of installing new tyres to ensure that these benefits may be achieved from the outset.

What Does a Wheel Alignment Involve?

Using the recommended factory specifications for your vehicle, a wheel alignment is the measurement, analysis and adjustment of your vehicle’s steering and suspension angles. A wheel alignment is completed using precise tools and machinery to ensure that the angles of the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and that all wheels are parallel to each other.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the method of adjustment may differ. However, a wheel alignment typically involves three key measurements that are used as targets of adjustment. These are:

1. Caster
2. Camber
3. Toe

When simply looking at your vehicle’s wheels you may think the alignment is correct. However, wheel alignment needs only to be out by as little as one millimetre from the manufacturer’s recommendations to cause premature wear to your brand new tyres.

Are There Other Times a Car Needs a Wheel Alignment?

We’ve already discussed the importance of having a wheel alignment when fitting new tyres, but when else should you have a wheel alignment? Vehicle manufacturer’s will typically recommend that you have a wheel alignment service every year. For information specific to your vehicle you can take a look in the owner’s manual.

Wheels will typically become unaligned over time and as a result, there may also be other times where a wheel alignment is needed. These include:

• When you notice uneven tread wear
• If you notice the car pulling to either side when driving
• If you hit a significant pothole or curb
• You feel a vibration through the steering wheel, particularly when driving at higher speeds

When done at the same time as a tyre rotation service you will best maximise the life of your tyres.

Are you Looking for a Wheel Alignment Service in West Ryde?

A wheel alignment service should always be performed by a qualified professional. If you are looking to book a wheel alignment in the West Ryde area, contact us on (02) 9807 1000. Whether you are having new tyres fitted and require a wheel alignment, or you have noticed an issue such as uneven tyre wear, we can assist you.