Be honest: the last time someone recommended you get your tires rotated or balanced, did you think you were being scammed? It’s understandable. Because so many dealerships and manufacturers do such a poor job of explaining what goes into tire balance, drivers are left to suspect it’s just a generic addition to your service bill.
In reality, rotating and balancing your tires regularly is the most surefire way to increase your tires’ lifespan. Courtesy of our service gurus here at Subaru of Macon, 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 experience a loss of tire pressure or strange vibrations while steering, these could also be signs that your tires need to relocate.
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 helps prevent uneven tire wear, which is the result of your car’s front being heavier than the rear. By balancing the tread on your tires, you ensure a smoother, vibration-free ride. Plus, having a tighter grip on the road only enhances your safety when you’re driving on slick or narrow stretches.
Conversely, uneven tread causes your tires to wear out and deflate faster. As a result, your fuel efficiency decreases. Tire rotation is therefore essential towards maintaining the health of your engine, in addition to your tires. Don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment with us if you’re measuring consistently low air pressure readings from your tires.
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 they’re unequal, small lead weights are attached to the rim of the wheel until a perfect equilibrium is achieved.
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 service.
Find Your Perfect Balance Today
Our Tire Center here at Subaru of Macon is here for you, working tirelessly to make sure you’re getting the most out of your vehicle. While you’re here, perhaps it’s time to consider putting yourself behind the wheel of a new Subaru, such as the 2024 Crosstrek. Everyone deserves to find the perfect balance in their life – and we won’t rest until you do.
