4 Reasons Why Tire Alignment and Rotation Are Important

Your tires have a significant impact on your driving experience. They play a vital role in how well your car accelerates, steers, handles, and brakes. However, they can become worn and misaligned over time, which can lead to poorer ride quality and safety. You can keep the tires of your Toyota vehicle in good condition by servicing them on a regular basis. Discover how tire alignment and rotation work and why they should be a part of your regular auto maintenance.

What Is Tire Alignment?

Tire alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of your tires so that your vehicle will be able to travel straight instead of pulling to one side. The wheels of your car are linked to the suspension system, which needs to be working properly to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. When you drive on rough road surfaces or over potholes, there’s a chance your suspension will become misaligned. Also, as it ages, your car’s springs will become fatigued and lead to a change in the ride height, which can also contribute to tire misalignment.

If you notice that your vehicle is pulling to one side, the steering wheel is off center when driving straight, or the tires are showing uneven wear, you should schedule a tire alignment with your local Toyota service center. During a tire alignment session, the technician will make adjustments to your vehicle’s suspension system. Instead of changing your tires’ positions, the procedure adjusts their angles to ensure they’ll make proper contact with the road and remain vertical when your car is moving straight down the road. These adjustments help prevent your vehicle from pulling to one side and reduce tire wear.

Generally, it’s recommended that you bring your vehicle in for a tire alignment at least once a year. However, you may have to get your tires aligned more frequently if you routinely drive in poor road conditions, carry or tow a heavy load, or travel long distances.

Why Is Tire Alignment Important?

With its relatively low cost and great benefits, a tire alignment is definitely a worthwhile investment. Below are a few compelling reasons why you should have your vehicle’s tires aligned regularly:

• Better driving experience: When its tires are misaligned, your vehicle will drift slightly to one side even though the steering wheel is in the center position. Having to constantly adjust your steering wheel to compensate for poor alignment can be tiring and frustrating. A tire alignment can make driving more relaxing and enjoyable.
• Improved safety: Bad tire alignment causes your vehicle to pull to one side and reduces its maneuverability, which increases your risk of crashing. Additionally, it can lead to uneven tire wear and make it harder for you to control your car on slippery surfaces. Don’t put off tire alignment until it’s too late.
• Longer tire life: If your tires are properly aligned, they’ll work together in harmony and experience less friction with the road. As a result, they’ll wear at a slower rate, meaning you don’t have to replace them so often. Leaving misaligned tires unattended can considerably increase the cost of car ownership.
• Fewer costly repairs: Driving with poor tire alignment can cause other parts of your vehicle to wear out prematurely, such as the suspension and steering systems. If these components break down completely, you’re faced with a costly repair that could have been avoided with regular tire alignment services.

What Is Tire Rotation?

A tire rotation involves moving the tires of a vehicle from one location to another. If you have a front-wheel-drive car, your front tires will typically be moved straight back, while your rear tires will be moved to the opposite sides on the front. For a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle, the rear tires will be moved forward without switching sides, while the front tires will be placed on the opposite sides of the rear. The purpose of rotating your tires is to prevent uneven tire wear, which occurs because the front of your car is heavier than its rear.

You can look at your owner’s manual to find out how often you should have your tires rotated. Generally, the recommended interval for tire rotations is 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Rotating tires is an inexpensive procedure that’s often done at the same time as an oil change. Nevertheless, you may encounter certain signs that suggest you should get a tire rotation immediately, such as uneven tire wear, loss of tire pressure, and vibration when driving at a high speed.

Why Is Tire Rotation Important?

Similar to tire alignment, tire rotation can also benefit you in many ways. The following is a list of reasons why it’s important to rotate the tires of your Toyota vehicle on a regular basis:

• Smoother ride: Your vehicle’s tires perform different tasks that cause them to wear at different rates. By having your tires rotated, you can maintain a more even amount of tread on your tires. Evenly worn tires contribute to a smooth and comfortable ride.
• Enhanced safety: By helping to prevent uneven tire wear, a tire rotation can enhance your tires’ grip on the road. As a result, you’ll have better control of your car when you’re tackling sharp turns, making hard stops, and traveling on wet and icy roads. This can reduce your accident risk.
• Better fuel efficiency: When they’re unevenly worn, your tires won’t be able to maintain uniform contact with the road, resulting in increased friction. As such, your engine has to work harder and use more fuel to move your vehicle. Going for a tire rotation can help improve your car’s fuel economy.
• Longer-lasting tires and suspension: Uneven tread wear on your tires not only causes them to wear out faster, but it may also lead to vibration that can damage your suspension system. Rotating your tires regularly is an effective way to extend the lifespans of your tires and suspension.

If you’re looking for a reputable Toyota service center in Louisville or Elizabethtown, Kentucky, that provides top-quality tire alignment and rotation services, consider getting in touch with Oxmoor Toyota. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.