The alignment of a vehicle’s tires plays a crucial role in determining its lifespan. Proper alignment ensures that tires wear evenly, which prolongs their usability. When alignment is off, it can lead to premature tire wear and a host of other issues.
Understanding the effects of bad alignment on tire life is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety.
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Is It Safe to Drive a Car with Bad Tire Alignment?
Although you may not notice immediate effects, driving with bad tire alignment is still not safe. It only worsens the damage to the wheel’s suspension system.
Driving with bad tire alignment can lead to handling difficulties, especially in adverse weather conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, bad alignment can strain other car components, potentially leading to more significant issues down the line​​​​.
How Long Will Tires Last with Bad Alignment?
Bad alignment continuously puts strain on the suspension components and can damage them within a few hundred miles of driving.
Although you may not notice instant tread wear, you will instantly notice changes in the handling and quality of driving due to bad alignment.
Minor alignment issues can reduce a tire’s life by thousands of miles over time. New tires with an expected lifespan of 70,000 miles can have their life reduced by over 8,000 miles due to bad alignment​​​​.
Major misalignment, particularly in the toe angle, can rapidly wear down tread depth in just a few hundred miles.
Symptoms of Bad Wheel Alignment
Bad wheel alignment in a vehicle manifests through various symptoms, significantly impacting the driving experience and vehicle safety. Key symptoms include:
- Vehicle Pulls to One Side: A classic sign of bad alignment is when the vehicle drifts or pulls to one side during driving, even on level roads. This can occur even when the steering wheel appears centered, indicating an issue with the alignment​​.
- Steering Wheel Issues: The feel and response of the steering wheel are often indicators of alignment problems. A misaligned vehicle may have a steering wheel that feels loose or unresponsive. If your steering vibrates at high speeds, it may also be a sign of bad alignment.
- Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear: One of the most telltale signs of poor wheel alignment is uneven tire wear. Tires may wear down rapidly on one side, which can be visually identified by comparing the wear patterns on different parts of the tire​​.
- Squealing Tires: Misaligned wheels can cause the tires to squeal, especially when turning. This is due to the uneven distribution of weight and pressure on the tires due to the misalignment​​.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: You may notice an unusual decrease in gas mileage due to bad alignment. A misaligned vehicle often requires more energy to move, leading to reduced fuel efficiency.
Do I Need New Tires After Alignment?
Not necessarily. Whether you need new tires after an alignment largely depends on the condition of your current tires. If your tires have uneven wear due to bad alignment, it might be necessary to replace them.
Unevenly worn tires can affect your vehicle’s handling and safety, even after the alignment is corrected. However, if there are no signs of wear or only a little wear, you are safe to drive with these tires after alignment.
You only need to worry if the average tread wear reaches 2/32 of an inch or if the tires are severely feathered or cupped.
After an alignment, if your vehicle still doesn’t handle correctly, it might be due to tire issues. In this case, a qualified mechanic or tire specialist can inspect your tires and advise whether replacement is necessary.
In summary, if your tires are significantly worn, damaged, or old, replacing them after an alignment might be necessary to ensure optimal performance and safety.