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You may have heard you should get a wheel alignment whenever you install new tires. On the other hand, you may have friends and family who say it's a dealer upsell that you should forget about unless your current tires show signs of misalignment.

What's the truth? Is the additional cost of an alignment worth it?

Here are some thoughts on wheel alignments and tire changes:

1. Consider an Alignment Inspection with Your Tires: You won't know if you need an alignment without having an alignment inspection. If the numbers come back within their specification, you're good. For numbers out of spec, a wheel alignment adjustment will help you protect your tire investment. Ask the tire shop to check the alignment and review the numbers. Keep in mind: there may or may not be a cost for an inspection depending on where you go. At the same time, it's important to know where your vehicle stands with its wheel alignment angles.

2. Know When Your Vehicle Last Had a Wheel Alignment: How long has it been since your vehicle had a wheel alignment service? If you're not sure, it's not a bad idea to have the alignment inspected. Even if you recently purchased the vehicle, assuming it isn't new, the owner may not have had the alignment checked before selling it to you. If you have the alignment checked once or twice a year after getting your tires installed, you can gain better insight into how alignment changes in the course of a year based on your regular wear-and-tear and the environments in which you drive. This can help you determine how often an alignment makes sense for you and your vehicle.

3. Consider the Strength of a Tire Mileage Warranty Claim: Some drivers may think "So what if my tires wear out prematurely; I'll send in a claim and get reimbursed for the miles unmet." Assuming you purchase tires that include manufacturer reimbursement, it's a bold move. The tire manufacturer may deny the claim if there is evidence of misalignment, such as unequal tire wear. If you have proof of having an alignment performed (and other tire maintenance items), you're likely to have an easier and more successful time with the claim.

4. Understand the Signs of Misalignment: Finally, if your tires show signs of misalignment, such as wearing out sooner than expected and/or irregular tire wear, request a wheel alignment inspection. Putting new tires on a vehicle like this is throwing money away in tire longevity. Give your tires the best start with a wheel alignment.

At Deltona Discount Tires, we sell tires and perform wheel alignments using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure speedy, accurate measurements. We pride ourselves on helping customers make informed decisions about the products and services available for their vehicle. For questions about wheel alignments and new tires, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is happy to answer any questions.