Tire Rotation & Alignment: What You Need to Know

Ah, tires. The wheels that go round and round. When you put the pedal to the metal, your tires take you places. So… what’s the best way to take care of them?

When it comes down to it, every mile you drive is going to put a little more wear and tear on your treads, so here’s what you can do to keep your tires in tip-top shape.

The two keys to tire care? Rotations and alignment.

Tire Rotation
Let’s start with the basics:

Each specific position on your vehicle wears differently on your tires, which can result in more or less wear on it. For example, a front-wheel-drive vehicle puts more torque and friction on the front tires during acceleration and turning, resulting in greater wear on those tires.

During a tire rotation, your tires are removed and moved to a different position on your vehicle. Often, this means swapping the back and front tires, and sometimes they’ll also be switched to the other side of the vehicle. An experienced technician will determine the exact pattern of rotation based on your vehicle.

By regularly rotating your tires, you promote uniform wear on the tread, which not only maximizes their lifespan but also enhances your vehicle's overall performance. During rotation, your tires will also be inspected for damage and proper air pressure levels.

You should get your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or about every six months. A good rule of thumb would be to rotate your tires in tandem with your oil change schedule.

Alignment
Hitting things like curbs and potholes can knock your alignment out of place but so can normal wear and tear over time. When your alignment is off, the tires cease to make even contact with the ground, causing uneven wear. This can cause vibration in the steering wheel, and create more road noise, making for a less than pleasant ride. Additionally, if your vehicle is exerting more effort than necessary, it could lead to increased fuel consumption, which in turn might result in spending more money than usual. Keeping your vehicle in optimal condition ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Tire alignment, also known as wheel alignment, refers to adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the manufacturer’s specifications. This involves correcting the car's suspension and ensuring that the tires make optimal contact with the road.

That’s why an alignment every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, or about once a year, is so important.

So, to maintain the performance, safety, and longevity of your tires, regular rotations and alignments are highly recommended to add to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. By entrusting these tasks to qualified professionals, like CarShop’s ASE-Certified service team, you ensure that your tires wear evenly, your fuel efficiency improves, and your driving experience remains smooth and secure.

Don’t wait for problems to arise—take proactive steps to care for your tires by scheduling a maintenance appointment at your local CarShop!