When was the last time your tires were rotated and balanced?
If you have to ask, then it has probably been too long! Many car owners don’t bother to get their tires rotated and balanced regularly. However, this simple act can be just as important as all of the other maintenance you have done for your vehicle. Failing to rotate your tires can even cost hundreds of dollars every year if you have to replace them due to worn tread. But why does this happen? When should you rotate your tires and have them balanced? What happens if you don’t?
An auto mechanic at Kruse Automotive can also answer any questions you may have about your tires or other auto repairs. Read on to learn more.
Tire Rotation-What is it Exactly?
Rotating your tires means moving the front tires to the back of the vehicle while moving the rear tires to the front of the vehicle. For some vehicles, a cross-pattern rotation is also recommended. This requires the mechanic to move your tires from left to right as they are moved from back to front. However, rotating your tires simply from front to back and vice versa will do the job. You can only rotate your tires if your vehicle uses all four of the same-sized tires. If you aren’t sure, your local auto mechanic can check for you.
Why Tire Rotation is Important
Rotating your tires regularly allows them to wear at a more even pace, ensuring they will last longer. Since the front of your vehicle is the heaviest, due to the placement of the engine block, the front tires will always wear down faster than the back ones. If you regularly haul heavy items, the front tires will wear down even faster. The front tires of your vehicle also deal with a greater amount of friction every time you make a turn, reducing the life of the tread. And when you leave the back tires on too long without rotating them, this can create a choppy-like wear on them since the back of the vehicle is lighter at times. Regularly rotating your tires also ensures that your vehicle is not pulling to the left or right instead of driving perfectly straight.
Rotating Your Tires
You can check the manufacturer’s warranty to get an idea of when you should rotate your tires. However, experts typically recommend rotating them every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. How fast you will get to this mileage will depend on how much you drive. One easy way to remember to rotate your tires is to have them done when you get an oil change, provided you stick to the same mileage schedule of every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Your local auto repair shop may even rotate your tires for free if you purchase another service from them, such as an oil change.
Balancing Your Tires
If your vehicle starts to shudder when you get to speeds of 55 mph or more, there is a good chance that your tires are out of balance. Your mechanic will fix this problem by adding small weights to the rims of your tires to correct any imbalances the tires are causing. You won’t usually have to have your tires balanced every time you go in for a tire rotation, but it doesn’t hurt to check. If you have an imbalance, your vehicle will not drive as smoothly as it should. It’s always a good idea to have them checked often.
Why Take Care of Your Tires?
If you have ever had to buy a set of tires or even replace one, then you already know that they aren’t a cheap investment. A full set of tires can cost anywhere from $500 and up, depending on the type of tire and the vehicle itself. Some larger truck tires can cost $400 apiece! Since you are already spending a great deal of money on tires, you want to make sure that they are getting rotated regularly to make sure you get what you paid for. Ask your mechanic to make sure they are balanced every so often, as well. If you stick to a regular rotation schedule, your tires should meet the guarantees given by the manufacturer.
Kruse Automotive in Fort Wayne is here when you need to have your tires rotated and balanced. We also offer many other auto repairs that your vehicle may require. In business for more than 40 years, our reputation for outstanding and affordable auto services precedes us. Whether you need your tires rotated or balanced or require major engine repairs, let our experts handle your every automotive need.
