Be honest: the last time someone recommended you get your tires rotated or balanced, did you think you were getting scammed? It’s understandable. Because so many dealerships and manufacturers do such a poor job of explaining what tire rotation involves, drivers are left to suspect it’s just a generic add-on to your service estimate.
In reality, rotating and balancing your tires regularly is the most surefire way to increase your tires’ lifespan. Courtesy of our expert service technicians here at Northpointe Chevrolet, here’s why you should make tire rotation and balance a normal part of your maintenance routine.
What Exactly Is Tire Rotation and Balance?
Tire rotation simply involves moving your tires from one area of your car to another. Typical tire rotation follows a common 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 in addition to your regular oil changes is a safe habit to get into. If you notice a decrease in tire pressure or unusual vibrations when you steer, these could also indicate that your tires require relocation.
Okay, I Know What Tire Rotation Is… But Why Is It Important?
You’re probably wondering, just why am I playing musical tires with my vehicle 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, ultimately reducing fuel efficiency. That’s why tire rotation is vital not only for preserving the health of your tires but also for your engine’s well-being. If your tires’ air pressure is consistently measuring low, it may be time to explore our Tire Finder.
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.
Balancing your tires is directly tied to rotating them, as both processes follow the same recommended intervals. If you do decide to rotate and balance your tires with every oil change, many garages will offer them as a complimentary add-on.
Find Your Perfect Balance Today
Explore your tire options here at Northpointe Chevrolet. While you’re here, perhaps it’s time to consider putting yourself behind the wheel of a new Chevy, such as the 2024 Malibu. After all, everyone deserves to find the right balance in their life. A trip to Northpointe may just bring about perfect harmony.
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