Be honest: the last time a dealer recommended a tire rotation, did you think you were being hustled? Because the vast majority of dealerships and manufacturers do such a poor job of explaining what tire rotation is, drivers understandably suspect it's just a generic add-on to your service estimate.
But rotating and balancing your tires aren't just legitimate procedures – they're surefire ways to increase your tires’ lifespan. Courtesy of our experienced technicians here at New Motors Subaru, here’s why you should make tire rotations a regular part of your maintenance routine.
What Exactly Is Tire Rotation?
The basics of tire rotation are actually quite simple. Tire rotation involves moving your tires from one area of your car to another. Typically, the same patterns are followed: 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 whenever you get an oil change (or at least every other time) is a safe habit to adopt. If you notice a decrease in tire pressure or abnormal vibrations when steering, these could be signals that your tires are due for a relocation.
Okay, I Know What Tire Rotation Is. But Why Is It Important?
Why is it important for your vehicle to play musical tires like this? Tire rotation helps prevent uneven wear caused by the front of your car being heavier than the rear. By keeping the tread on your tires even, you'll experience a smoother ride with no vibrations. Plus, it'll give you better grip on slick or narrow roads, enhancing your safety on the road.
On the flip side, an uneven tread on your tires can lead to faster wear and deflation, which in turn reduces fuel efficiency. That's why tire rotation is vital not only for preserving the health of your tires, but also for the well-being of your engine. You spend more money on gas the lower your air pressure is, so if you continue to get low readings, it may be time to schedule a service appointment with us.
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 an equilibrium is attained.
Making sure your tires are properly balanced is just as important as keeping up with regular rotations. Both these procedures follow the same recommended timelines. If you decide to have your tires rotated and balanced to coincide with your oil change, many auto shops will even offer it as a complimentary service.
Find Your Perfect Balance Today
We make sure everything is in its right place here at New Motors. If you're looking to kick off your year with a new or used Subaru - from the adventurous Ascent to the cutting-edge Legacy - simply stop in at Erie's premier Subaru dealership, New Motors Subaru.
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