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Alignments are recommended with the installation of new tires for good reason. Prior to looking at why these services pair so well together, it's important to have a general understanding of why wheel alignments are performed.

Before your vehicle was a tangible product you could get in and drive, it was an idea. The concept of your vehicle was put to design. It underwent engineering analysis, computer simulations, real-world testing, and revisions before ultimately receiving the clearance for manufacturing. Part of the process involved determining the best alignment angles for your make and model. The goal was to find the optimal balance between factors that include tire wear, handling stability, ride comfort, and fuel efficiency.

However, it's possible to alter the factory alignment angles. This can happen if you have an impact with potholes and road debris; if you experience a collision or accident; over time time through the normal wear and tear of suspension components; if you modify the suspension; by consistently carrying excessive weight; and by driving on rough, unpaved, or uneven roads.

Even when a change is slight, it can eventually impact the handling of the vehicle, rate of treadwear, and how the tires wear. It's also possible for a slight issue to become a bigger one if the angle is altered again from a different incident. While small changes won't appear to have much of an impact short-term, they can over many miles of driving.

In a survey of US car owners, wheel alignment was rated the 2nd most commonly ignored service in a list of the 10 most commonly ignored automotive repairs and services.

This is why vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend having the wheel alignment checked on a routine basis. Outside of these recommendations, you'll also hear that it's worth having an alignment service performed with the installation of new tires.

Benefits of Getting a Wheel Alignment & Installing New Tires

Here's why these services are promoted together:

1. It's the Best Start for Prolonged Tire Life: Proper wheel alignment ensures that the tires wear evenly. If your car is misaligned at the time of installation, the new tires can wear out more quickly and unevenly, which means you'll need to replace them sooner than if they were installed with your vehicle aligned.

2. It Might Be Required for a Tire Warranty: If your tires are protected by a warranty, such as a mileage guarantee or other protection plan, there are often stipulations about what you must do to hold up your end of the agreement. For example, tire manufacturers expect you to take care of your tires. This can include routine tire rotations and alignments. It may also require an alignment at the time of installation. Otherwise, they might deny a claim if something happens. Check any terms and conditions that come with tire warranties so you can stay in compliance.

3. It Can Be Cost-Effective: Combining these services can save you money. If you skip the alignment and your tires wear out faster than expected, you'll find yourself back at the tire shop in need of new tires. It's worth noting that money is the #2 reason that car owners skip maintenance services, per the aforementioned survey, which also estimates that delaying maintenance can cost a vehicle owner, on average, an extra $1,193 over the lifetime of the vehicle.

4. It Saves You Time: If you're already at an Oakland tire shop having your tires installed, you might as well take care of an alignment and any other upcoming services you need. This way, you can have everything done in one visit instead of trying to find time for multiple service visits. Time was the #1 reason car owners gave in the survey for skipping maintenance.

For these reasons, it makes sense to have an alignment performed at the same time as a new tire installation.

There are some exceptions. If your current tires are wearing evenly and you haven't experienced any handling issues, or if you had an alignment done relatively recently, it might not be necessary. However, having the alignment checked is never a bad idea. Consult with a trusted mechanic or tire specialist if you're uncertain about your vehicle's alignment needs.

We invite you to visit Tire Tech and Auto Repair Centers in Oakland, New Jersey for wheel alignments and tires. Our team will inspect your vehicle's alignment status and correct any misalignment issues, so you can get your new tires off to the best start.