The Dangers of Skipping Tire Rotations and Balancing
Having your tires rotated involves switching the position of the tires once they’ve gone through a certain amount of miles. On average, vehicles need their tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, the same length as an oil change.
The second part of tire care is balancing, where each tire is assessed by weight distribution. This process locates any light or heavy areas that would cause an imbalance in your vehicle. A technician will place each tire onto a machine then run a test on it’s balance.
Why Should I Regularly Get Tire Rotations?
As your vehicle goes through prolonged use, your tires take the brunt of the physical wear. Switching their placement on your vehicle allows for different areas of the tire to be worn down equally. This in turn prolongs the lifetime of your tires because the tread can withstand more.
Risks of Skipping Tire Rotations
Without proper care, your tires will endure uneven wear, leading to serious problems and costly repairs. Below are the biggest risks you take when neglecting tire care.
Heat Buildup
The treads that make up the exterior of a tire are made with grooves to allow for airflow. This keeps the tire cool even when you’re driving at high speeds or on hot pavement like we have in Florida. Without rotation, the areas of your tires that endure the most wear will have less tread, eliminating the pockets of airflow needed for temperature regulation. Most commonly, this excessive heat leads to tire blowouts, which can cause accidents or leave you stranded.
Hydroplaning
In more extreme cases, the treads experience such a high level of deterioration that they are no longer able to properly grip the road. Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle loses its grip and begins to slide uncontrollably. This puts both you and other drivers at risk.
By having tire rotation done, you have the assurance that a professional has checked the condition of your tires. Typically a mechanic will give you an estimate as to the life you have left before needing to purchase a new set.
Poor Traction In Winter Conditions
If you plan on venturing into areas with snow or ice, it’s even more important that you properly care for your vehicle. Just like with hydroplaning, your car can lose grip and either drift or get stuck. The possibility of getting stuck in the snow and needing the assistance of a tow truck can be vastly lowered through vehicle maintenance.
Punctures
Did you know that approximately 7 tire punctures happen every second? And that’s just in the United States! That’s nearly 220 million flat tires per year, many of which could have been prevented through proactive measures.
As your tires thin over time, it becomes easier for an object to puncture a hole in them. Rotation allows for inspection and balancing out the wear, decreasing your risk of popping a tire.
What are the Symptoms of Unbalanced Tires?
Keep an eye out for these common signs of tires troubles:
- Vibrations
- Steering problems
- Uneven tire wear
- Bad fuel economy
- Bad shocks and bearings
Trust City Auto in Gainesville, FL to Care for Your Tire Rotations
If you’re getting close to your next oil change or you’re noticing any of these symptoms above, give us a call to get scheduled for tire rotation and balancing. Don’t let this essential auto maintenance slip through the cracks and put you in danger.
Our experienced team is here to provide you with specific recommendations based on the condition of your tires and the length of time it’s been since your last tire rotation.