Tire Rotation Vs. Wheel Alignment: The Ins And Outs
The Difference is Clear
About Wheel Alignments
Your car’s suspension system is an important set of parts that work together for shock absorption. If your car didn’t have a suspension system, you would be in for a bumpy ride, as you’d feel every little bump in the road, plus your car wouldn’t have as good of a grip on the road. In other words, the suspension system is what keeps your ride smooth and comfortable. Wheel alignment, or tire alignment, is an adjustment of your car’s suspension system. We adjust the angle of your tires to optimize how they make contact with the road. If you need a wheel alignment, you’ll notice your car pulling to one side or the other, your steering wheel will be off-center while you’re driving straight, your steering wheel will vibrate a lot, and the treads on your tires will wear out unevenly. If you notice any of these signs, you should bring your car in to be aligned. When you bring your car in for an alignment, we’ll check the camber (the angle of your tires when viewed from the front), the toe (how far your tires turn in or out when viewed from above), and the caster (the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side).
Compare That To Tire Rotations
As mentioned above, you should align your wheels whenever you notice a problem, which means it won’t necessarily happen on a set schedule. In contrast, a tire rotation is a maintenance service that should be done during a certain time frame. Typically, you should get your tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, but be sure to check your car’s owner’s manual to see the exact interval it requires. A tire rotation involves repositioning your car's tires to ensure they wear evenly. Uneven wear on your tires can lead to vibrations while you’re driving, plus it can lead to your tires having uneven tire pressure, so it’s important to have your tires rotated within the appropriate time frame in order to keep everything even and working smoothly. Your front tires will usually wear down more quickly than the tires in the back because they carry the lion’s share of the weight of your car.
What They Have In Common
One thing a wheel alignment and a tire rotation have in common is that both services increase the longevity of your tires. In order to maximize your tires’ useful life, which will save you money, you should always make sure they’re properly aligned, rotated within the proper time frame, and experiencing even wear. Yes, no matter what you do, your tires will wear down – the only thing you can do is ensure that they’re wearing down evenly. If you need a tire rotation, wheel alignment, or any other repairs in Craig, CO, bring your car in to see the team of experts at Chapman’s Automotive.