To help your vehicle drive in the safest and best condition possible, it is important to make sure that you maintain the correct wheel alignment and wheel balancing. If you are like many other drivers, you may be wondering how often should you get a wheel alignment. Because it is difficult to know when what you need is either an alignment service or a balancing service, it is important to have your wheels inspected on a regular basis. No matter the cause, a misalignment or unbalanced tires will eventually cause damage to your tires, suspension system, and/or the steering system. Most of all, if these problems are ignored your vehicle becomes a safety hazard on the road.
So how does a tire get out of balance? Imperfections in the rubber or damage to a tire or rim can throw a wheel "out of balance." That means that one section of the tire or rim is heavier. To restore balance, one wheel at a time is removed and placed on a computerized machine and spun around to determine which side is the heaviest. A small lead weight is then attached to the tire to counter-balance any heavy spots. Once the weight is the same on all sides of the wheel, the wheel will spin on the machine with ease. Any time your tires are repaired or rotated, they should be balanced.
You may be wondering if the wheel alignment is different than wheel balancing. The answer is simple, “Yes!” When a car rolls off the assembly line, it comes preset with special angles that position your tires correctly. This ensures optimal drivability by keeping the wheels pointed in the right direction. If you’re experiencing unusual wear patterns in the tread, check the alignment. The consequences of misalignment can also play out in overall vehicle performance.
The signs for a lost wheel alignment or wheel balancing are very similar. They include:
- Vehicle pulling to the left or right
- Uneven or excessive tire wear
- Steering wheel is crooked, it feels “loose,” or it vibrates
- Squealing or wobbly tires
Remember: Having tires aligned and balanced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles can help maximize the lifespan and overall performance of your vehicle.
Need to know more about how often should you get a wheel alignment? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about wheel alignment and wheel balancing and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
To help your vehicle drive in the safest and best condition possible, it is important to make sure that you maintain the correct wheel alignment and wheel balancing. If you are like many other drivers, you may be wondering how often should you get a wheel alignment. Because it is difficult to know when what you need is either an alignment service or a balancing service, it is important to have your wheels inspected on a regular basis. No matter the cause, a misalignment or unbalanced tires will eventually cause damage to your tires, suspension system, and/or the steering system. Most of all, if these problems are ignored your vehicle becomes a safety hazard on the road.
So how does a tire get out of balance? Imperfections in the rubber or damage to a tire or rim can throw a wheel "out of balance." That means that one section of the tire or rim is heavier. To restore balance, one wheel at a time is removed and placed on a computerized machine and spun around to determine which side is the heaviest. A small lead weight is then attached to the tire to counter-balance any heavy spots. Once the weight is the same on all sides of the wheel, the wheel will spin on the machine with ease. Any time your tires are repaired or rotated, they should be balanced.
You may be wondering if the wheel alignment is different than wheel balancing. The answer is simple, “Yes!” When a car rolls off the assembly line, it comes preset with special angles that position your tires correctly. This ensures optimal drivability by keeping the wheels pointed in the right direction. If you’re experiencing unusual wear patterns in the tread, check the alignment. The consequences of misalignment can also play out in overall vehicle performance.
The signs for a lost wheel alignment or wheel balancing are very similar. They include:
- Vehicle pulling to the left or right
- Uneven or excessive tire wear
- Steering wheel is crooked, it feels “loose,” or it vibrates
- Squealing or wobbly tires
Remember: Having tires aligned and balanced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles can help maximize the lifespan and overall performance of your vehicle.
Need to know more about how often should you get a wheel alignment? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about wheel alignment and wheel balancing and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
