Tire Rotation vs. Wheel Alignment: what’s the difference? 

Most of us know the importance of looking after our tires. But one of the most frequently misunderstood elements of tire care is this:

What on earth is the difference between tire rotation and wheel alignment? Well, wonder no more… The following is a simple guide to what each means and will help you understand once and for all the distinction between the two. 

What is Tire Rotation?

• Understanding tire rotation
• Why tire rotation is necessary 

What is tire rotation?

Tire rotation is where the tires are moved to a different position on the car. It should be done around every six months or every 6,000-8,000 miles, whichever comes sooner. How the rotation pattern works is dependent on whether the vehicle is a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or 4WD. 

Rear, 4WD, and AWD vehicles have tires rotated as follows:

• The front tires are rotated to the opposite rear position.
• The rear tires move forward on the same side

Front-wheel drive vehicles have a different rotation pattern:

The front tires move to the rear position on the same side

• The rear tires move to the opposite front position
• There are alternative tire rotation patterns, such as those that include rotating a full-size matching spare or when there are different tire sizes between the front and rear wheels.

If you’re at all unsure how to correctly rotate the tires on your vehicle it’s essential to seek professional assistance. 

Why tire rotation is necessary

Tire rotation ensures that the tires wear evenly and that you benefit from the longest life span. It balances out the weight load and is usually carried out as part of routine car maintenance. It’s often done at the same time as an oil change. 

What is Wheel/Tire Alignment?

• Understanding tire alignment
• While tire alignment is necessary 

Understanding tire alignment

Tire alignment is, strange as it may seem, not directly to do with the tires themselves. Instead, it’s about the suspension of the vehicle. It makes tiny adjustments that, in turn, alter the angle of the tires and how they traverse the road surface.  There are three parts to this that are referred to as camber, toe, and caster.

You might also hear tire alignment referred to as tracking. 

Hitting potholes, curbs, or other obstacles at speed is what will typically knock your tires out of alignment. Rectifying this isn’t something you can do at home—it requires a professional tire service. 

Why tire alignment is necessary

Correct tire alignment is needed for a smooth, safe ride. It allows your vehicle to track the road safely, with the full amount of tire tread in contact with the road. Poor alignment reduces car handling, causes issues with steering, and leads to uneven tire wear.

If you notice any of the following, then it’s likely that your vehicle’s wheels are out of alignment and require adjustment:

• The car pulls to one side
• The steering wheel vibrates
• Uneven tire wear
• Squealing when driving at low speed

The key difference to remember when understanding tire rotation vs. wheel alignment is that the former is carried out as a regular element of vehicle maintenance. The latter is only necessary if the tires have become misaligned. However, alignment should also be done when new tires are bought and fitted to the car. 

Contact Autobahn of Boca for All Your Tire Rotation and Tire Alignment Needs

When you bring your vehicle to Autobahn of Boca for any tune-up or tire servicing requirements, you can rest assured that we’ll always check that alignment and/or rotation needs are carried out. 

Safety and optimal performance are dependent on the accuracy of the “boots on the ground” (AKA, tires). That’s why we always give them our highest level of attention. 

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