Why You Should Have Your Tires Aligned After Replacement

Getting new tires is exciting, but it’s important to remember that proper tire care is essential to maintain their performance and appearance. One critical aspect of tire care is alignment. In this article, we will explore why tire alignment matters, the signs of tire misalignment, the different types of alignment, and why following the manufacturer’s warranty requirements is essential.

Contents

Improving Handling 

Proper tire alignment can improve your car’s handling by providing better traction, responsiveness, and predictability. Misaligned tires can lead to a loss of traction, causing difficulty in steering and taking corners. By aligning your tires, you can navigate the road safely, especially when driving on winding roads.

Extending Tire Life 

Well-aligned tires wear evenly, extending their life and preventing bald spots and uneven patterns. Neglecting to align your new tires can cause them to degrade faster, requiring replacement sooner. Proper alignment can help you get the most out of your investment.

Better Fuel Economy 

Correctly aligned tires consume less fuel and improve gas mileage by 10%, saving you money in the long run. This also reduces your carbon footprint, benefiting the environment.

Enhancing Safety 

Misaligned tires can cause accidents due to mechanical failure, as they can make the car veer off to one side or the other, making it challenging to control. Proper alignment can help avoid skidding, losing control, and tire blowouts. Safety is paramount, and following proper tire, care can prevent dangerous situations.

Following the Manufacturer’s Warranty Requirements 

Manufacturers require proper alignment to maintain warranty requirements, including treadwear warranties. Improper alignment can void certain warranty aspects, such as coverage for premature tire wear. Maintaining proper alignment shows responsible ownership and helps keep you and your vehicle safe.

Signs of Tire Misalignment 

Several signs indicate tire misalignment, such as drifting or pulling to one side, vibrations in the steering wheel, an off-center steering wheel, or squealing or growling noises when turning. If you notice any of these signs, have your tires checked and corrected to prevent further damage.

Types of Alignment 

There are three main types of alignment: camber, toe, and caster. Camber refers to the tire’s angle in relation to the ground, toe relates to whether the front or back of the tires meet up at the same point when viewed from above, and caster refers to the angle of the pivot point of the steering from vertical when viewed from the side.

Final Thoughts 

Proper tire alignment is crucial for maintaining performance, extending tire life, enhancing safety, and saving money on fuel and maintenance costs. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s warranty requirements, and if you notice any signs of tire misalignment, have them checked and corrected by a professional. You can enjoy a smoother, safer ride by taking care of your tires.

About the author, Laurence Perkins

Laurence Perkins is the passionate car enthusiast behind the blog My Auto Machine. With over a decade of experience in the automotive industry, Perkins has knowledge and experience with a wide range of car makes and models. His particular interests lie in performance and modification, and his blog covers these topics in-depth. In addition to his own blog, Perkins is a respected voice in the automotive community and writes for various automotive publications. His insights and opinions on cars are highly sought-after.