When was the last time you had your tires balanced and rotated? When balancing and rotating your vehicle’s tires, you are adding years to the tire’s life. Tires will wear out quicker if you leave them on the same wheel. Replacing tires is very costly, which is why it is important to remember to have your tires balanced and rotated every 7000 miles. Top Notch Auto Body Shop & Mechanics would like to share a few ways you can know when your tires need to be balanced and rotated to ensure the life and safety of your tires.
Tire Rotation & Balance Process
You will often hear the phrase “balance and rotate your tires.” This simple phrase refers to two different procedures and both intend to improve the life of the tire and the safety of the driver. When rotating the tires the wheels are removed and the front set swaps places with the back set of tires. The sides are also swapped around in order to disrupt the wear of the tire. Balancing the tires is when the mechanic checks to see if the weight of the tire and wheel are balanced. If an unbalance is detected, a small lead weight is attached to the wheel rim of the tire. By balancing the weight of the tire it will prevent uneven wear patterns on the tires as well as a smoother drive. Drivers can often feel when their tires are unbalanced as the vehicle tends to vibrate when driving. As a driver, when you feel vibration, it is a clear sign your tires need to be balanced and rotated. It is also important for the owner of the vehicle to make a record or pay attention to the life and or miles of their tires. Manufacturers strongly recommend rotating the tires every 7000 miles. You can make a written note of your mileage when the tires were installed. Another way to know if your tires are due for a rotation is that after every other oil change the tires should be rotated and balanced.
Tire Rotation Pattern
It is important to have the tires rotated and balanced not just for the life of the tire but it is also a major safety concern. A tire’s tread will tend to wear out more quickly on the front tires then the back. By rotating the front with the back you will equal out the tire tread wear. By maintaining equal wear you will prevent the need to replace tires. Additionally, a thinner tread increases traction and is more prone to a blowout. It is important to never let the tread get to thin before replacing the tire.
How to Rotate Tires; at Home or Auto Body Shop
Many people wonder if they can rotate their own tires. Essentially you can. However, it can become a major hassle. How do you take off the front tire and then the back? You will require a flat solid foundation such as asphalt and four jacks. Another drawback to rotating your own tires, is that you miss out on the balancing. When a mechanic rotates the tires, it includes checking and correcting the tire’s balance. You may find it is much better to seek out professional tire balancing and rotating services.
Tire Rotation, Balance & More in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
For tire rotation and balance or other basic mechanical and auto body services, come down to Top Notch Auto Body Shop & Mechanics today.
