Purchasing new tyres is an exciting moment for any vehicle owner. Whether you are upgrading to enhance your car’s safety, performance, or simply replacing worn-out tyres, choosing the best car tyres is essential. However, while selecting the right tyres is crucial, many drivers overlook a vital step that can impact the longevity of their investment and overall vehicle safety — wheel alignment.
If you’re wondering whether wheel alignment necessary with new tires or if it’s just an optional extra, this article dives deep into the expert perspective. We will explore what wheel alignment is, why it matters, especially after installing new tyres, and how it affects your vehicle’s performance and safety.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels so they are set according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Proper alignment ensures that your tyres meet the road at the correct angle, your wheels point straight ahead, and the tyres are centered in the wheel wells.
The three primary parameters adjusted during alignment are:
Camber (tilt of the wheel inward or outward)
Toe (direction the wheels point relative to each other)
Caster (the angle of the steering pivot)
Correct wheel alignment optimizes tyre wear, enhances handling, improves fuel efficiency, and ensures safer driving.
Why Wheel Alignment is Crucial When You Get New Tires
Even if your old tyres were wearing unevenly or your wheels were misaligned, you might wonder if you need alignment after buying new tyres. The short answer: Yes, wheel alignment necessary with new tires is a crucial step you should never skip.
Protect Your Investment in New Tyres
New tyres, especially the best car tyres, are a significant investment. Improper wheel alignment can cause uneven and rapid tyre wear, drastically shortening the lifespan of your new tyres. When the wheels aren’t aligned properly, certain parts of the tyre tread bear more load and friction, leading to premature wear patterns such as feathering or cupping.
Aligning your wheels ensures that your new tyres wear evenly, helping you get the maximum mileage and value.
Improve Vehicle Handling and Safety
Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, affect steering response, and reduce stability — all of which compromise your safety on the road. This becomes even more critical when you have new tyres because these tyres can mask or exaggerate existing alignment issues.
Proper wheel alignment after fitting new tyres guarantees that your car drives straight, handles predictably around corners, and brakes efficiently.
Optimize Fuel Efficiency
Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance, meaning your engine works harder to move the car forward. This results in higher fuel consumption. Aligning your wheels after installing new tyres helps maintain optimal rolling resistance, saving fuel and reducing emissions.
Prevent Vibration and Noise
Misalignment can cause vibrations and tyre noise, which impact comfort and indicate mechanical stress on your vehicle’s suspension and steering components. New tyres on a misaligned wheel setup can amplify these issues.
Signs You Need Wheel Alignment
Even if you haven’t just installed new tyres, it’s good practice to check your wheel alignment regularly. Common signs that indicate misalignment include:
Your car pulls to the left or right when driving on a flat, straight road.
Uneven tyre wear, especially on the inner or outer edges.
The steering wheel is off-center when driving straight.
Vibrations in the steering wheel.
Squealing tyres when turning corners.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your alignment checked by professionals before or after installing new tyres.
How Often Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?
There is no fixed interval for wheel alignment, but most manufacturers recommend checking alignment at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. However, certain conditions may require more frequent checks:
After installing new tyres.
If you hit a pothole, curb, or experience an accident.
If you notice any of the alignment warning signs.
When performing major suspension repairs.
Getting wheel alignment at the time of new tyre installation is ideal, as it ensures optimal tyre performance from the start.
Choosing the Best Car Tyres for Your Vehicle
Selecting the best car tyres is as important as ensuring your wheels are properly aligned. The right tyres improve traction, handling, and safety while complementing your vehicle’s performance.
Some key considerations when choosing tyres include:
Tyre size: Follow manufacturer recommendations or consult a professional.
Type of tyre: All-season, summer, winter, or performance tyres.
Tread pattern: Influences grip on different road surfaces and weather conditions.
Durability and brand reputation: Choose reliable brands known for quality.
Brands like Apollo Tyres have gained a strong reputation in India and internationally for producing high-quality tyres that balance durability, safety, and performance. Apollo Tyres offers a wide range of products suited for various vehicles and driving conditions, making them a go-to brand for many motorists.
What to Expect During a Wheel Alignment Service
When you bring your vehicle in for a wheel alignment service, here’s what generally happens:
Inspection: The technician inspects your tyres, suspension, and steering components.
Measurements: Using advanced alignment machines, they measure your current wheel angles.
Adjustment: The wheels are adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Test drive: A test drive is often done to confirm that the alignment is correct.
The process is typically quick, often taking less than an hour, but the benefits last thousands of miles.
Common Myths About Wheel Alignment and New Tires
“I Don’t Need Alignment if I Drive Carefully”
Even cautious driving does not prevent natural wear and tear, suspension shifts, or minor impacts that can affect alignment. It’s a mechanical adjustment, not a matter of driving style.
“New Tires Automatically Fix Alignment Issues”
New tyres may improve the ride temporarily, but they won’t correct misalignment. Without adjustment, tyres will wear unevenly regardless.
“Alignment is Only for Off-Road or Racing Cars”
All vehicles benefit from proper alignment, whether they are daily commuters or performance vehicles.
Conclusion
Investing in the best car tyres ensures safety and an enhanced driving experience, but pairing them with professional wheel alignment is what truly unlocks their full potential. If you’re asking whether wheel alignment necessary with new tires, the expert answer is a resounding yes. Proper alignment protects your investment, improves safety, increases fuel efficiency, and extends tyre life.
For those looking for reliable tyres paired with excellent service options for alignment and maintenance, Apollo Tyres stands out as a trusted brand in India. Known for their quality, durability, and innovation, Apollo Tyres ensures that your vehicle performs at its best on every journey.
Before you hit the road with your new tyres, remember: a proper wheel alignment is not just a recommendation — it’s a necessity.
