Tire Rotation And Balance: Which One Do You Need?

The most effective method of extending the life of your tires is tire rotation and balance. Tires, like shoes, become more worn in some areas as a result of increased friction. Tires are one of the most expensive parts of your car to replace, therefore most drivers try to extend them out as long as possible before replacing them. Here are some tips to assist you to figure out when to rotate and balance your tires.

Are tire rotation and balance the same thing?

Your tires may wear differently in different places depending on where the engine is located in your vehicle or how many things you store in the trunk. Drivers can help the tires wear in different places and, ideally, wear out less quickly by adjusting the location of the individual tires.

While tire balancing should always be done when your tires are rotated, the two processes are not the same. When you rotate your tires, you move your tires from their current position. It’s a basic change of position, whether it’s just moving the front tires back and forth or switching the right and left sides. When you balance your tires, you’re ensuring that the total weight of the wheel and tire is distributed evenly. This is done through positioning, as well as the use of small weights attached to the tire or wheel. This process necessitates the use of specialist equipment.

Your tires should be balanced every time you get your tires rotated. When your tires spin, if they are not balanced (that is, the weight of the wheel and the tires are evenly divided), the wheels will shake, which is a bad sign! You may need to attend a repair shop only to stop it from shaking if your wheels and tires are unbalanced.

How much are tire rotation and balance?

Tire replacement can be costly and inconvenient, which is why tire repairs and protection are critical. While it is possible to rotate your own tires, the vast majority of drivers choose to have this maintenance task handled at a body shop or garage. The average tire rotation and balance cost are roughly $20. If you have your oil changed at a garage, ask if they also provide this service. If you buy your tires from a garage, they will rotate and balance them for free. 

Read more >> How To Choose Your Right Types of Fuel for Cars?

Tips for Tire Rotation and Balancing

Tip #1

Balance and rotate tires refer to two distinct methods that improve the safety and efficiency of your tires. The wheels are removed and replaced from front to back, right to left, when your tires are rotated. A mechanic uses specific equipment to check if the weight of the tire and wheel is balanced when they are balanced. If it isn’t, he’ll attach small lead weights to the wheel’s rim to make sure it’s balanced.

Tip #2

Approximately every 7,000 miles, all four tires should be rotated and balanced, according to most manufacturers. This is around 6 months of driving for many drivers. A tire balancing is recommended for approximately every other oil change for a non-luxury car that requires an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles. Drivers of luxury automobiles, whether new or pre-owned, may need to make an extra journey. Having your tires rotated and balanced roughly every other time you have your oil changed is a fantastic way to stay on track with this tip.

Tip #3

One of the most important reasons to rotate your tires is for safety. Tread goes out faster on the front tires than it does on the back tires. The lower the wear on your front tires, the more likely you are to lose control of your vehicle. Rotating the back tires to the front and vice versa keeps the front tires with greater tread for longer.

Tip #4

The efficiency of this maintenance method is the second reason for its importance. If you didn’t rotate and balance your front tires, you’d have to replace them far more frequently than your rear tires. Rotating them on a regular basis allows all four tires to wear at the same rate. This allows you to buy a whole set of four tires rather than two pairs, saving you time and money at the garage.

While having the correct tires on your car and changing them at regular intervals is vital for getting the best driving experience, you can also maintain good traction by tire rotation and balance on a regular basis. Rotating and balancing your tires is an excellent way to prevent your vehicle from slipping or skidding due to worn treads. It’s also a useful method to extend the time before you have to buy a new set. This simple maintenance procedure can help your tires last longer by ensuring that they wear evenly on both sides.

Visit our website to get the free DMV practice test, or download it for your IOS or Android devices now!