Let’s be real for a moment: the last time a dealer recommended a tire rotation, did you think you were being hustled? That’s understandable! The majority of dealerships and manufacturers do a poor job of explaining what tire rotation and balancing involves, leaving drivers to suspect it’s just another addition to your bill.
In reality, rotating and balancing your tires regularly is the most surefire way to increase your tires’ lifespan. Courtesy of the engineering experts here at Savage Kia, here’s why you should make tire rotations a regular part of your maintenance routine.
What Exactly Is Tire Rotation?
Tire rotation is actually quite a simple process. It involves moving 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 habit to get into. If you notice a decrease in tire pressure or abnormal vibrations when steering, these could be signals that your tires are ready to relocate.
Okay, I Know What Tire Rotation Is. But Why Is It Important?
So just why is it so important for your vehicle to play musical tires like this? Tire rotation prevents uneven tire wear caused by the front of your car being heavier than the rear. By balancing the tread on your tires, you can enjoy a smoother ride without any vibrations. Additionally, this provides better traction on slippery or narrow roads, improving your overall safety while driving.
On the other hand, 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 explore the Kia Tire Source for a replacement set.
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.
Keeping your tires balanced goes hand in hand with regular rotations, as both procedures adhere to the same suggested timelines. If you choose to rotate and balance your tires during each oil change, many garages will provide them as a complimentary service.
Find Your Perfect Balance Today
Schedule your service appointment with Savage Kia today, and drive off out lot with your tires right where they should be. From the Sportage to the Sorento Hybrid, we’ve got all the newest Kia models, ensuring that 2024 is the year you find the perfect balance to support your automotive lifestyle.
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