Tire rotation and tire balancing are both very important to your vehicle. They ensure that your tires do not wear unevenly and that your driving experience is as smooth as possible. Balancing and rotating your tires is important to getting the most out of your investment. At Gerry’s OK Tire, we specialize in tires and […]
Tire rotation and tire balancing are both very important to your vehicle. They ensure that your tires do not wear unevenly and that your driving experience is as smooth as possible. Balancing and rotating your tires is important to getting the most out of your investment. At Gerry’s OK Tire, we specialize in tires and would like to share some helpful information on how you can get the most of your tire investment.
So, what is the difference between balancing and rotating your tires?
Rotating Tires
Tire rotation is just as it sounds. It involves moving your tires from one corner of the vehicle to another. The objective here is to prevent wear on your tires. This should be performed regularly for maximum effectiveness.
Balancing Tires
Tire balancing involves adding weights to the wheel assembly at certain points around the wheel’s circumference. This process also prevents wear on the tires but has the added benefit of preventing vibration when you are driving due to unbalanced tires.
Why is it important to rotate and balance tires and how often should it be done?
It is very important to the life of your tires as well as the quality of your ride to both balance and rotate your tires. Both services prevent wear on your tire treads and ensure that you have a smooth ride. They also help your tires last longer which will save you money.
You should rotate your tires every 8,000km and balance your tires every 16000km.
What happens if you don’t rotate and balance tires?
This is a huge mistake. If you don’t rotate you tires regularly, one of the biggest problems is that you may void your manufacturer’s warranty. Most tire manufacturers require proof of this service as it is one of the main reason for tire failure.
Another problem is steering wheel vibration. Poor tire balance can cause significant steering wheel vibration. When wheel assemblies are not properly balanced, they can bounce slightly as they spin faster and faster.
This bouncing can cause the steering wheel to vibrate as the vibrations cause the suspension and steering mechanisms to move rapidly. This vibration is typically minor and slightly annoying. But in some cases, it can be more violent and damaging to your vehicle.
These issues can pose major problems in addition to the ones already discussed earlier which are uneven tire wear, tire noise and shortened tire life.
Signs that your tires need to be serviced
There are some obvious signs that your tires need to be serviced if you are experiencing any vibration in the vehicle or your steering wheel starts to shake. This is a sure sign your tires need servicing. Also, if you find that the vehicle is pulling to one side. This is a good indication that you need an alignment and that you wheels or tires are out of balance. If you are experiencing any of these signs, book a service visit as soon as possible.
Tire rotation and tire balancing don’t need to be performed at the same time. However, it likely will be more convenient to have them done together rather than booking two separate service visits. Make sure you follow the manufacturers recommended tire rotation schedule in case you should need to make a claim in the future.
If you are unsure of when you need to book a tire rotation and balancing service visit, or if you are experiencing tire wear or vibration, please feel free to reach out to us or book a service visit today!
