Tire Balance & Rotation
Tire Balance & Rotation in Carlsbad
Despite being a wear item, the tires on your vehicle require some upkeep to get the most out of them. Tire rotations and balancing are two often overlooked services that you should stay on top of. Here are why these two services are so crucial and what you can expect going into your appointment.
Tire Rotations
Regular tire rotations help even the tread wear across all four wheels over the life of the tire. This service can be done a few ways depending on the type of vehicle you have.
Front to Rear
Front to rear rotations are best for same sized directional tires, swapping the front tires to the rear on each side.
Forward Cross
Recommended for front wheel drive vehicles, the forward cross rotation moves the back left to the front right, back right to the front left, and sends the front tires straight back on the same side.
X Pattern
The X Pattern tire rotation is best for all-wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles. Like the name implies, the tires are swapped diagonally, front to back and side to side.
Rearward Cross
The inverse of the Forward Cross, the Rearward Cross moves the front tires diagonally back and the rear tires straight forward. This rotation is best for four wheel drive, all wheel drive, and rear wheel drive vehicles.
Side to Side
Side to Side tire rotations are really only used on vehicles with a staggered tire setup (typically wider in the rear and narrower in the front.
Tire rotations have a few benefits. Here are some benefits to getting this service done regularly,
- Improved Handling
- Better Fuel Economy
- Longer Tire Life
Tire rotations should be performed every 6 months or 5000 miles. An easy way to stay on top of tire rotations is to get it done every time you have your oil changed.
Tire Balancing
Tire Balancing involves installing small weights on the inside of the wheel to keep the tire rotation smooth and even while driving. Tire balancing should be done when the tires are rotated, new tires are installed, or after making any tire repairs.
Out of balance tires can impact fuel economy and tread life, but the main symptom is vibration while driving.
Tire Services at Carlsbad Auto Service
From rotations to balances, you can count on the team at Carlsbad Auto Service for all your tire service needs. Give us a call or schedule an appointment at our Carlsbad repair shop today!