How do I know when I should get my tires rotated and balanced?

How do I know when I should get my tires rotated and balanced?

The interval for tire rotation could depend on a recommendation from either the tire manufacturer or the car maker. The interval is typically around 8,000 kilometers but could range from 5,000 to 13,000 kilometers. The background question for drivers is why do tires need to be rotated?

Front tires wear differently than the rear tires because steering wears the shoulders faster up front. Rotating the position of the tires allows for more even wear among all the tires. Now the suspension set-up on certain vehicles may also affect the relative wear between the front and rear. There are several rotation patterns – your DOWNTOWN AUTOMOTIVE service advisor will see that you get the correct pattern for your particular vehicle.

Wheels and tires are not perfectly balanced due to slight variations in the manufacturing process and the placement of tire pressure monitoring sensors. So weights are strategically placed on the wheel to ensure that the tire spins true. When a wheel is out of balance it is essentially bouncing thousands of extra times every kilometer. Now this can result in an uncomfortable vibration for Nelson drivers in the steering wheel or through the seat. An unbalanced tire will also wear quicker and it is harmful for your shocks and struts.

Drivers should have their wheels balanced if they detect a vibration or uneven wear. A wheel balance check every year is a good idea. Because tires cost so much, it’s a great idea to do everything you can to make them last as long as possible. Proper tire inflation, regular tire rotation and wheel balancing are vital keys to long tire life. At DOWNTOWN AUTOMOTIVE we inspect your tires for signs of uneven wear each time your vehicle comes in for servicing to be able to diagnose and correct the problem.

Stop by or give us a call!