Let’s be real for a moment: the last time a dealer recommended a tire rotation, did you think you were being hustled? That’s understandable! The majority of dealerships and manufacturers do a poor job of explaining what tire rotation and balancing involves, leaving drivers to suspect it’s just another addition to your bill.
In reality, rotating and balancing your tires regularly is the most surefire way to increase your tires’ lifespan. Courtesy of the engineering experts here at Savage 61, here’s why you should make tire rotations a regular part of your maintenance routine.
What Exactly Is Tire Rotation?
Tire rotation is actually quite a simple process. It involves moving your tires from one area of your car to another. Typical tire rotation follows the same pattern: with front-wheel-drive cars, front tires typically get shifted straight back, while the rear tires are moved to opposite sides on the front. The opposite applies for rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, in which the rear tires are moved straight forward, while the front wheels are moved to opposite sides of the rear.
You don’t need to rotate your tires excessively – the recommended interval is 5,000 to 8,000 miles – but requesting a tire rotation whenever you get your oil changed (or at least every other time) is a safe habit to get into. If you notice a decrease in tire pressure or abnormal vibrations when steering, these could be signals that your tires are ready to relocate.
Okay, I Know What Tire Rotation Is. But Why Is It Important?
So just why is it so important for your vehicle to play musical tires like this? Tire rotation prevents uneven tire wear caused by the front of your car being heavier than the rear. By balancing the tread on your tires, you can enjoy a smoother ride without any vibrations. Additionally, this provides better traction on slippery or narrow roads, improving your overall safety while driving.
On the other hand, an uneven tread on your tires can lead to faster wear and deflation, which in turn reduces fuel efficiency. That’s why tire rotation is vital not only for preserving the health of your tires, but also for the well-being of your engine. If the air pressure in your tires is consistently measuring low, it may be time to schedule a service appointment with us.
So Then… What’s Tire Balancing?
When balancing, mechanics use a machine to confirm that the weight of the tire and wheel are balanced. If imbalanced, they attach small lead weights to the rim of the wheel until a perfect equilibrium is reached.
Keeping your tires balanced goes hand in hand with regular rotations, as both procedures adhere to the same suggested timelines. If you choose to rotate and balance your tires during each oil change, many garages will provide them as a complimentary service.
Find Your Perfect Balance Today
Here at Savage 61, our enormous inventory is filled with a ride range of new and pre-owned vehicles, from the sleek and steady Dodge Charger to the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. With the help of Pennsylvania’s most awarded dealership, you’ll drive off our lot having discovered the perfect balance you were seeking.
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