When it comes to maintenance services that often get put onto the back burner, tire rotation and balancing are on the list’s top. So, what are they, and how necessary are they have done? Casey’s team of certified technicians in Sterling, VA, is here to give you the 411 on what these services mean as well as when you should have them done on your vehicle.
What is a Tire Rotation?
While everybody is aware that tires rotate while driving or cars and trucks, “a tire rotation service” is a service, having the tires rotated on your ride means, they are taken off and transferred to a different wheel. It can be done diagonally, from right to left, or front to back.
Now, the primary question you’re probably asking is, “why rotate tires at all?” See, tires wear unevenly over time. For example, when turning a corner, the front tire leans over, and that causes the outside edges to wear. Since they follow the front tires, the rear tires wear unevenly even more than the front. When the tires are let in place (not rotated), the outside edges wear down faster. In a nutshell, rotating tires help to keep them from uneven wear. Otherwise, they’ll end up needing to be replaced thousands of miles sooner than if you had rotated them in the first place.
You should have your tires rotated every 3000-5000 miles or each time you have your oil changed.
Tire Rotation Steps
– Remove tires from the vehicle.
– Check the brakes.
– Return tires to the vehicle in different positions.
– Checked and adjust the air pressure as needed.
What is Tire Balancing?
Requiring special machinery, tire balancing is a separate service from a rotation and equally important. Think of tire balancing as a tire tune-up for the wheel and tire set. The goal is to ensure the wheel’s weight, combined with the tire, is evenly distributed around the unit’s entire circumference.
So, how can you tell the tires are off-balance? When out-of-balance, tire tread wears faster. It can also cause vibration in the steering column, floorboard, or the seat and even subject the vehicle to poor fuel economy. When the weight is equal the tire will roll smoothly helping it abstain from uneven wear. Ultimately, it will assist the tires in lasting longer.
Signs for tires that are not appropriately balanced include hopping wobbles and vibration. If it’s a front tire you’ll probably feel a vibration in the steering wheel. If it is a rear tire, there will likely be a tremor in the seat or the floor.
When having your tires rotated you should also have them balanced.
Tire Rotation & Tire Balancing in Sterling, Virginia
When your vehicle experiences any of the symptoms listed above, contact Casey’s in Sterling, VA, for an inspection. Our team of certified technicians will balance your tires, rotate tires to new positions, and have your ride fixed up and provide you with a courtesy inspection. Our complimentary digital inspection will keep you in the know on 42 points of your vehicle’s interior and exterior. Texted directly to your phone, the inspection report includes photos and detailed descriptions.
