It should go without saying that taking proper care of your tires and wheels can go a long way in extending the life and performance of your vehicle. Here at Signature Tire, we are more than happy to help you make the decisions that are best for you as you care for your tires and wheels.
The Benefits of Rotating Your Tires
Rotating your tires will help ensure that they last longer when you’re out on the road, so it’s recommended that you rotate them on a regular basis. This is because front and rear tires wear differently. Your front tires routinely carry more than 60% of your vehicle’s weight, which can cause them to wear far more quickly than your rear tires. Beyond that, front tires can also wear at disproportional rates. This is because left turns are usually taken faster than right ones, putting more load on the right front tire, resulting in faster wear.
Tire rotations can help to equalize these natural wear patterns. That said, no two tire changes are exactly the same. Different tires will have different wear patterns based on the type of vehicle they are installed on. Whether your vehicle is front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, or all wheel drive can also impact how your tires will be rotated.
Your tires are always rotated at Signature Tire during a seasonal changeover from winter tires to all season or summer tires and vice versa. Rotating your tires regularly can go a long way to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Additionally, rotations can extend the life of your tires, which can save you money in the long run.
Is it Time for a Wheel Alignment?
A wheel alignment is an adjustment to the angles of your wheels in order to ensure that they are properly set to your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. One way to tell if you need a wheel alignment is by checking to see if you need to hold your steering wheel in order to drive straight ahead. Additionally, if you’ve just changed your tires, had steering or suspension parts replaced or repaired, driven 3000 km in a new car, or been involved in a collision, you may want to head into your local Signature Tire and speak with a professional.
A wheel alignment will typically take about 30 minutes, during which time your service technician will also check the pressure of your tires as well as your vehicle’s suspension and steering. In some later model vehicles, the steering angle sensor will also be checked. This sensor works in tandem with your stability control system, which must be reset after a wheel alignment.
Most wheel alignments will not require new parts, though all parts should be in good condition in order to be effective. If you are driving a front-wheel drive vehicle it is in your best interest to four-wheel alignment service. As always, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for any specific recommendations.
