They both have to do with your wheels and tires. They both help keep your wheels balanced. So aren’t they the same thing? In fact, a wheel alignment is a completely different service from a tire rotation. Both of these services may be necessary at different times.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Tire Rotation?
The purpose of a tire rotation is to change the position of all the tires on your car so that they wear evenly. Your front tires will tend to wear down more quickly than your rear tires over time. This happens naturally because they take most of the vehicle’s weight when turning or braking.
You can prevent uneven wear by rotating your tires every few months. A good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires every 6000-8000 miles, or at every other oil change.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
A wheel alignment simply lines your wheels up with your steering wheel so that you can steer properly. When your wheels are aligned, it allows your car to move straight ahead when you hold the steering wheel straight, instead of pulling to one side of the other. In a wheel alignment, your mechanic adjusts the angles of your wheels and axles so everything lines up correctly.
Unlike tire rotations, a wheel alignment is not part of a vehicle’s regular maintenance schedule. It’s a service that may be necessary if you’ve recently had a collision or driven over a pothole.
What’s the Difference?
As you can already tell, there are a number of differences between a tire rotation and a wheel alignment. A tire rotation is a good way to save on fuel costs and extend the life of your tires. While it’s nice to have, your car will continue to run properly without it.
However, it is dangerous to drive a car which is in need of a wheel alignment.
If you think it may be time to schedule a tire rotation and/or a wheel alignment for your vehicle, reach out to McKinney’s Motor Company today. Our trained team of mechanics can ensure your vehicle runs smoothly for years to come.
