We would always recommend getting tires and then following it up immediately with an alignment when it comes to asking whether you should get tires or alignment first.
There are debates about whether you should have tires or an alignment first, which mean that the answer isn’t always clear cut, but in this blog post we will explain why this is the correct method.
We will also discuss the benefits of getting an alignment and explain why it is such an important step in maintaining your vehicle.
Tires or alignment first – what is the debate?
The main reason that this divides opinions that some people think that driving with new tires prior to an alignment will begin to wear the new tires immediately. While this may be true, the majority of shops have the equipment to offer a wheel alignment at the same time as changing your tires.
Getting tires first
If your shop does not offer both a wheel alignment as well as tire changing service, we would still recommend having the tires changed and then following up with an alignment immediately afterwards. The main reason is that old tires are going to be very worn down, and are likely to not be completely evenly worn.
If the old tires are not evenly worn, then a wheel alignment that is performed on the old tires is not going to be very accurate. This is because the shape and how evenly the tires have worn will affect the alignment.
Once your new tires are then installed, your wheel alignment will once again change and will be out of specification as the tires will be brand new and completely evenly worn.
If this is the case, this is likely to cause the vehicle to not handle or ride as well as it should and you may find that your tires begin to wear down unevenly again very quickly.
By having the tires replaced first and then following up with an alignment immediately, you are ensuring that the geometry of the vehicle is exactly as it should with the tires that will remain on the vehicle for the foreseeable future. This will result in the vehicle handling correctly, tires wearing evenly and lasting as long as they should.
Benefits of an alignment
A wheel alignment is important because it helps to ensure that your tires are wearing evenly. This in turn will help to prolong the life of your tires, and save you money in the long run. An alignment will also help your vehicle to handle correctly, which makes driving a more enjoyable experience.
If you dont have your tires aligned, you run the risk of your tires making improper contact with the road. This will negatively affect all aspects of your vehicles performance as the tire will not have as much traction with the road as a properly aligned wheel.
Misaligned wheels will have worse braking performance, less steering ability, and are more likely to lose contact with the road and could lead to an accident.
Why it is important to maintain your vehicle
Ensuring that your vehicle has road worthy tires and that the wheel alignment is correct are normal parts of maintenance for your vehicle. These make a huge difference in how your vehicle performs. By ensuring that these are checked regularly, you can help your vehicle perform at its best and prevent larger and more expensive problems from occurring further down the line.
Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, and we would always recommend investing in the best tires for your vehicle that you can afford. Check out our guides on the best tires for your vehicle here.
Will I be liable for an accident with misaligned wheels
Liability for an accident with misaligned wheels can depend on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident, local laws, and insurance policies.
Generally, if you were aware of the misaligned wheels and continued to drive without addressing the issue, it could potentially impact your liability in the event of an accident. Negligence in properly maintaining and addressing known mechanical issues can potentially affect liability.
We recommend having your tires and wheel alignment checked at your vehicles yearly service. This will allow you to drive with peace of mind for the year ahead.
FAQ
How long does it take to get new tires and an alignment?
To get a complete set of new tires fitted and to have an alignment you can expect a shop to take between 60-90 minutes.
How much does it cost to get new tires and an alignment?
The cost of new tires can vary greatly, costing anywhere from between $250-1000, depending on their size and brand. An alignment usually costs $50-100.
Conclusion: Tires first and then alignment
In conclusion, when it comes to new tires or alignment first, we would always recommend getting new tires and then following up with an alignment immediately afterwards. This is the best way to ensure that your tires are wearing evenly and that your vehicle is handling correctly.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it informative. If you have any questions then please leave a comment below or get in touch via email or through social media and we will read and respond to every comment, email or question. Thanks for reading!
It’s good to know that many tire shops can align your new tires as soon as you get them. My husband drives every day for work and he’s thinking about getting some new tires. I’m hoping he can get them this month because his current ones are much more worn down than I think he notices.
Thanks for mentioning that it’s important to invest in the best tires that you can afford. I’m hoping that I can get new tires in the next week or so for my truck. It’s been snowing a lot lately, and I would feel safer about having newer tires.