When it comes to tires, you can’t be too careful in keeping them in good shape. Your tires are responsible for your vehicle’s ability to function properly and safely to get you where you want to go. Tire rotation and wheel alignment are two of the most important regular maintenance actions you can take to keep your tires in good condition.
The Difference Between Tire Rotation and Wheel Alignment
Your tires are how the rest of your vehicle interacts with the road, and they have to stand up bravely against gravel, ice, potholes, and debris. Regularly maintaining them by taking care of your tire rotation and wheel alignment is critical, but what is the difference between the two? If you understand the difference, you can better take care of your vehicle altogether.
Right off the bat, it is important to know that both tire rotation and wheel alignment do wonders to improve the longevity of your tires and overall vehicle performance. Making both services a regular priority can save you a lot of money on costly vehicle repairs. Most importantly, doing so will improve your safety while on the road.
What Is Tire Rotation?
Tire rotation describes shifting the position of each tire on the car. During a tire rotation, your mechanic will switch the front wheels of your vehicle with the rear wheels, and vice versa. The purpose of tire rotation is to even out the wear on all the vehicle’s tires.
Although all four tires are always in contact with the ground, the wear caused by the contact is not always evenly distributed. Part of this has to do with the nature of your vehicle, whether it has Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). Vehicles with FWD experience greater friction in the front tires because that’s where the engine’s force is delivered. The opposite is true for RWD vehicles. Because of the nature of momentum, front tires also usually bear more of the vehicle’s weight during braking.
Regular tire rotation is an easy way to save money. The service doesn’t cost very much, and it can extend the life of your tires, which are much more expensive both financially and in regards to safety. Rotating your tires can also save you money by improving your gas mileage as the weight of your vehicle becomes more balanced.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
A wheel alignment checks and adjusts the angles of a vehicle’s tires to keep them aligned correctly. The axels of the suspension system are also corrected if necessary. A correct alignment keeps the tires parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. The orientation should line up properly with the steering wheel. A proper alignment ensures that the wheels don’t pull to the right or left. When tires are properly aligned, tire wear is reduced, extending their longevity.
Assessing Your Vehicle’s Alignment After an Accident
After an accident, it is vital that both tire rotation and wheel alignment be performed professionally. Typically alignment takes precedence after a crash because impacts to the car can misalign the suspension, brakes, and tires. During an alignment, a mechanic will check your tires’ hubs, rims, and spokes to make sure everything is in place. You do not want to be surprised by alignment problems after an accident. Take it in professionally without delay.
How Often Should You Have Tire Rotation and Wheel Alignment Taken Care Of?
Knowing when to take care of your tire rotation and wheel alignment is a valuable part of caring for your vehicle. Tire rotation should be addressed more regularly since it is more likely for your tires to wear unevenly than it is for them to become misaligned if you haven’t been in a car accident. While values vary slightly, the window between rotations is between 6,000 and 8,000 miles.
For most people, this means a rotation every few months. Many people have their tires rotated when they get their oil changed so they don’t forget. In fact, many mechanics offer this service as part of their oil change package. It is also wise to rotate your tires if you plan to go on a road trip.
While tire alignments do not usually need to be performed so regularly (once every two years or when your vehicle undergoes major repairs being the most common practice), it is wise to have your alignment checked when you get your tires rotated. Both services—tire rotation and wheel alignment—are considered preventative measures that can extend the life of your vehicle and promote your personal safety.
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