Do I Really Need a Wheel Alignment After Getting New Tires?

Here’s why a wheel alignment is more important than ever — especially with today’s advanced safety systems.

Replacing your tires is a smart investment in your vehicle’s safety and performance. But if you skip the wheel alignment, you might not get the full value from those new tires — or worse, you could compromise how your vehicle handles and responds on the road.

At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we see this question all the time. Let’s break down why an alignment after new tires is not only recommended — it’s essential.

What Does a Wheel Alignment Actually Do?

A wheel alignment isn’t about your tires — it’s about adjusting your suspension and steering components so your wheels:

• Point in the right direction (toe)
• Sit at the right angle vertically (camber)
• Align with your steering axis (caster)

When alignment is off, your tires fight against each other or the road, leading to:

• Uneven tire wear
• Reduced fuel economy
• Steering problems
• Shortened tire life

Why New Tires Need an Alignment — Especially Today

When you install new tires, your vehicle’s handling dynamics change. Even if your old tires wore evenly, the new tread depth and shape can highlight any misalignment that was developing slowly over time.

Without a proper alignment:

• Your new tires can wear unevenly in as little as a few thousand miles
• Steering may feel off-center or “floaty”
• You may experience pulling to one side

With an alignment:
You’re protecting your investment, restoring factory ride quality, and helping your tires last longer.

What Is ADAS, and Why Does It Matter for Alignment?

Modern vehicles are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like:

• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Emergency braking
• Blind spot detection

These safety features rely on precisely aligned sensors and cameras, which are mounted to your windshield, bumpers, and suspension components.

At Wayside Garage, we now offer ADAS recalibration using our state-of-the-art alignment system with factory-grade targets for nearly every make and model. That means your alignment doesn’t just help with tire wear — it ensures your vehicle’s safety systems continue to function properly.

If you skip an alignment or recalibration, your car might not respond correctly during emergency maneuvers — even if everything seems fine on the surface.

Signs You Need an Alignment After Tire Replacement

Even if your tires are brand new, these symptoms could indicate misalignment:

• Steering wheel feels off-center
• Car pulls to one side
• Tires squeal during turns
• Uneven tire tread (inside or outside edges)
• Vibration at certain speeds

The best time to correct alignment is immediately after new tires are installed — before uneven wear can begin.

How Often Should You Get an Alignment Check?

At Wayside Garage, we recommend:

• Every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first
• After hitting a pothole or curb
• When replacing tires, shocks, or steering components
• As part of your regular Maintenance Plan

Routine alignment checks are one of the most affordable ways to extend the life of your tires and maintain your car’s performance.

What to Expect from a Professional Alignment at Wayside Garage

When you bring your vehicle in for an alignment after new tires, here’s what we do:

• Perform a digital alignment check
• Adjust toe, camber, and caster to factory specs
• Calibrate ADAS systems using precision targets
• Provide a detailed alignment report
• Check suspension and steering for wear or damage

All done by certified technicians who take pride in getting it right the first time.

Protect Your Tires — and Your Safety

Tires aren’t cheap, and your safety systems are too important to gamble with. A simple alignment check gives you:

• Better tire life
• Smoother handling
• Lower fuel costs
• Confidence in your safety features

Schedule Your Post-Tire Alignment and ADAS Calibration Today

If you've just installed new tires or are planning to, don't skip the alignment. Schedule your appointment today at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA and let us protect your investment — and your peace of mind.