Your wheels need the same careful maintenance as any other part of your car, but it isn’t always easy to tell whether you need an alignment or a tire rotation. Fortunately, by knowing the signs of tire trouble, you can order the right services and protect your vehicle. Here is a little more information about the difference between tire rotation and wheel alignment, along with how to tell which service you need.

To Rotate or Align—That Is The Question

How Is Tire Rotation Different From Wheel Alignment? 

Your tires are responsible for providing traction between your car and the road, which is why your tires can wear down over time. While the goal of wheel alignment is to make sure that the tires are facing the right way and operating properly, tire rotation is all about extending the life of your tires by moving them to a different position on your car. During tire rotation, the right and left wheels will be moved to the opposing side of the car, and the front and back tires will switch position.   

Which Service Do You Need?

Wheels can become unbalanced because of poor driving practices, natural wear and tear, and unintentional damage due to road hazards such as ice and pot holes. Cars with alignment problems tend to pull to the side, have steering wheels that sit crooked, or vibrate when the car approaches higher speeds. If your car is exhibiting any of these problems, take it to a mechanic to have the alignment checked. To keep your tires from wearing improperly, have them rotated each time you have your oil changed.     

For expert automotive care that you can count on, turn to Mullanphy Tire & Automotive in Florissant, MO. For more than 16 years, these professional mechanics have helped people with everything from tire rotations and wheel alignments to radiator repair, electrical work, and emergency breakdown service. For more information about their long list of services, visit their website or call (314) 921-4961.