Many people ask us “How do I know when I should get my tires rotated and balanced?”
The time between tire rotations could depend on a recommendation from either the tire manufacturer or the auto maker. The interval is typically around 5,000 miles but could range from 3,000 to 8,000 miles. The real question is why do tires need to be rotated?
Front tires wear differently than rear tires because steering wears the shoulders faster up front. Rotating the position of the tires allows for more even wear among all the tires.
The way the suspension is set-up on some vehicles may also affect the relative wear between the front and rear. There are several rotation patterns – your professional J’s Auto Service service agent will see that you get the right pattern for your particular vehicle.
Wheels and tires are not perfectly balanced when they leave the factory due to slight variations in the manufacturing process. Tire pressure sensors found on many new model vehicles also affect the balance of your wheels and tires. To correct for these variations, small weights are strategically placed on the wheel to ensure that the wheel and tire spins perfectly. When a wheel is out of balance it's essentially bouncing thousands of extra times every mile. This can create an uncomfortable vibration that you feel in the steering wheel or through the seat. An unbalanced tire will also wear quicker and the situation will also negatively affect your shocks and struts.
You should have your wheels balanced if you detect a vibration or uneven wear. A wheel balance check every other tire rotation is a good idea to stay on top of your wheel’s condition. Since tires cost so much, it’s a great idea to do everything you can to make them last as long as possible. Proper inflation, regular rotation and wheel balancing are important keys to long tire life. The team at J’s Auto Service in Hatfield can check your tires for signs of uneven wear, diagnose and correct any problems before they go too far.
Winter can be very hard on not only our snow shovels and aching backs, but it can cause a tremendous amount of potholes. Collisions with potholes can damage your vehicle’s tires and wheels and can cause possible undetected damage to the steering and suspension parts. A complete review of all these areas is inexpensive and worth the confidence that your family vehicle is in good, safe condition.
Having your wheels and tires checked for proper balance and unusual wear is very inexpensive. Give J’s Auto Service a call today to schedule a wheel and tire checkup appointment and be confident that your car is running its best!