Tire safety is a crucial part of driving safely. If you notice your vehicle jiggling when driving, especially after hitting a large pothole, it might be time to schedule a tire service to ensure everything is in order.
When you come in for a tire service, our mechanics may ask if you need a tire rotation or wheel alignment. If you’re not familiar with car maintenance, this can be confusing. To clarify the differences and help you choose the right service, here’s a breakdown of tire rotation and wheel alignment.
What Is Tire Rotation (Tire/Wheel Balancing)?
If your vehicle feels like it’s shimmying from side to side while driving, it could be due to uneven tire wear, which indicates a need for tire rotation. Also called tire or wheel balancing, tire rotation involves moving tires from one position or side to another to ensure even wear.
Because tires are the point of contact with the road, they naturally wear down over time. The wear isn’t always even due to various factors, like the type of drivetrain. For example, front-wheel-drive cars typically experience more wear on the front tires, while rear-wheel-drive cars wear their rear tires more. Uneven weight distribution also contributes to uneven tire wear.
Regular tire rotation is essential to ensure even tire wear and prolong the life of your tires.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
If your vehicle drifts to one side while driving straight, you likely need a wheel alignment service. Wheel alignment ensures that the front tires are properly aligned with the rear tires and the steering system.
Wheel alignment issues often occur after hitting a large pothole. If left unchecked, misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced vehicle performance, and difficulty steering. It’s crucial to address alignment issues promptly to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
While tire rotation can reduce wear and improve fuel efficiency, wheel alignment issues should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent more severe damage. For complete tire safety checks, including wheel alignment and rotation, visit us at Absolute Car Care.
Using our advanced HawkEye Elite Alignment Machine, we’ll check your vehicle’s camber, caster, and toe to ensure your wheels are perfectly aligned for safe driving.
