You rely on your car every day to get you where you need to go, whether it’s work, school, or a weekend road trip. Like any machine, cars require upkeep to prevent inconvenient and potentially dangerous problems. One of the most important steps is to balance and rotate your car tires. Here’s what you need to know. 

Guide to Car Tire Balancing & Rotation 

Why Do Tires Become Unbalanced? 

Sudden jolts and impact are typically the cause of unbalanced tires. For instance, running over a curb, hitting potholes, or turning abruptly can wear down the tires unevenly, resulting in heavy spots which cause a wobble. Tires can also become unbalanced as they age. Balancing adds weight to the lighter portions to create equilibrium. 

Why Do Tires Need to Be Rotated?

Not every tire wears at the same speed. In front-wheel drive vehicles, the front tires wear faster than the back because they work harder. Likewise, the back tires wear more quickly in rear-wheel drive models. Even all-wheel drive vehicle tires receive uneven wear, primarily because the front wheels do the most work. The outside edges of a tire also wear more quickly than the inner portions. By rotating them, you can balance the wear and extend your tires’ lifespan. 

What Should You Do?

Imbalanced or unevenly-worn tires can be hazardous. With imbalance, the wobbling gives you less control over the vehicle and makes you more accident-prone. These issues also result in less traction, which is dangerous in wet, slippery conditions. You can tell a tire is imbalanced if it vibrates as you drive; as soon as you notice this issue, take your vehicle to an auto mechanic. As a rule of thumb, tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles or about as often as you change the oil. Check the tread between rotations to ensure this is frequent enough. Depending on how often you drive and road conditions, you may need more frequent rotations. 

By balancing and rotating your car tires regularly, you can extend the lifespan of your tires and, more importantly, stay safe on the road. If you’re a Kalispell, MT, resident in need of new tires, auto alignment, or other maintenance services, turn to the TIA-certified® professionals at M & C Tire. With an affiliation with over 30,000 tire service stations, they have access to a vast stock of car tires for industrial, ATV, commercial, and passenger vehicles. Call (406) 752-9662 to speak with a friendly staff member or visit their website to learn more about their services.