Does a car need a wheel alignment every year?

Answer 1

its good thing to at least get it check every year. neglect on not doing it can lead to problems such as wearing out ball joints tires and tire ends which will cost you more money in the long run. also some signs that your alingment is bad or needs to be check is one the cars pulls the left or right. virabtion at higher speeds or stopping. steering wheel is not strait when driving on a strait away. excessive play in the steering wheel.

Answer 2

Depends on the car, driving conditions and the way you drive. If you are a careful driver who maintains his car and does not hit potholes or curbs it could stay aligned for years. If you hit a pothole, run over a curb, are an aggressive driver, brake abruptly - all these things can knock a car out of alignment.

Here's what you can do: watch the papers for Free Alignment Checks. Just yesterday I saw a coupon for free alignment check at Just Tires. They put your car on the rack and with the new Hunter Laser alignment systems they can check it very quickly. They pop 4 reflectors on the tires, run through a quick series of checks and if it is off you pay for the alignment (if you want it) if not you are done and you know you are good.

Often the need for an alignment is pretty evident. Car pulls to one side, wheel does not recenter after a turn, wheel not centered, car tracks poorly. All can be alignment issues.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

No, sometimes more, sometimes less.
If you do driving that has caused impacts sufficient to knock it out of alignment, have it done more often.
Does the car wander? While tire size mismatch or uneven tire inflation can cause this, it can indicate an alignment is needed. Check tire inflation often and don't buy just one tire at a time to avoid paying for an alignment that is not needed.
Is the wheel out of orientation to direction of travel?
This also indicated a wheel alignment in needed regardless of whether it has been done in the past year or not.

Answer 4

If you drive along roads that are rough and bumpy, then I would suggest that yes, wheel alignment my be necessary on a more frequent basis than if you drive exclusively on hardtop. About once every three or four years if the latter.

Answer 5

Sure. If you like spending money. I'll be honest, I haven't had my car aligned in years. As long as your front tires show even wear, and you don't notice any steering anomalies, such as pulling to one side, you're probably okay.

Answer 6

most people dont have it done until they experience problems with the alignment

Answer 7

.No.Try to avoid pot holes,the #1 cause for alignment being out of adjustment.

Answer 8

I think it depends on the condition of the roads you travel on.

If there are a lot of pot-holes and road construction.....then yes.

Answer 9

Depends on how much stuff you ran over or into that year!