Understanding Rotating and Balancing Your Tires

Be honest: the last time a garage recommended a tire rotation, did you think you were being scammed? Because so many repair shops, 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.

Rest assured that not only are tire rotations legitimate, they’re one of the most surefire ways to increase your tires’ lifespans. Courtesy of our experienced technicians here at Steven Kia, here’s what constitutes a tire rotation and why it should be a regular part of your maintenance routine.

What Exactly Is Tire Rotation?

It’s actually a very simple process in which you move your tires from one area of your car to another. Typical tire rotation follows the same 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 whenever you get an oil change (or at least every other time) is a safe practice. If you do encounter any sudden 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 shuffle its tires around, like school children getting a new seating assignment? Tire rotation helps prevent uneven wear caused by the front of your car being heavier than the rear. By balancing the tread on your tires, you’ll keep the vibrations down for a smoother ride. Plus, a sturdy tread gives you a firmer grip on slippery or narrow roads, enhancing your overall safety.

Conversely, 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. If the air pressure in your tires remains low, it may be time to 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 with each oil change, many auto shops will even offer it as a complimentary service.

Find Your Perfect Balance Today

Life is all about finding the right balance, and you’ll find the boost you need at Steven Kia. If you’re looking to kick off your year with a new or used Kia – from the all-terrain Sportage to the all-electric EV9 – simply pay us a visit at Rocktown’s most trusted Kia dealership.