Tires affect more than how your car handles on the road; they also impact its engine performance and fuel efficiency. Hillis 66 Service in Lincoln, NE, recommends regular tire rotation and alignment services to maintain your vehicle’s performance. Rotation and alignment are often misunderstood, so the experts explain each to help you determine which is necessary for your car.

Rotations Only Involve Your Tires

Rotation involves turning each tire to ensure they all receive even wear and tear. Doing this is important because the front and back of your car weigh differently, meaning some wheels will wear down much faster than others if they’re not rotated. Your owner’s manual will provide specifics, but it’s typically recommended to get a tire rotation every six months or 6,000 miles.

Wheel Alignments Involve Your Steering Column

Wheel alignments require specific expertise to ensure they’re done properly. When you take your car to a mechanic, they’ll inspect your steering column and make sure your wheels are properly aligned with it. If your car is pulling to one side or another when you drive, it’s usually a sign you need alignment services rather than a simple tire rotation. 

Alignments & Tire Rotations Are Drastically Different

Although both involve your car’s performance on the road, a tire rotation and wheel alignment are two very different things. The former is required periodically, while the latter is only needed when your vehicle is showing signs it’s out of alignment. However, failing to get a wheel alignment when necessary will force you to invest in more tire rotation services and can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency, so fixing it as soon as possible is always recommended. 

If you need tire rotation or wheel alignment services, bringing your car to a local mechanic sooner rather than later will help you avoid costly repairs. Contact the professionals from Hillis 66 Service today at (402) 474-2891 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their auto maintenance and repair services.