What Is the Difference Between a Tire Rotation and Wheel Alignment?

Tire rotation vs wheel alignment can be an issue of concern among many vehicle owners, and there’s a tendency for individuals to confuse the two. Understanding the differences between wheel alignment and tire rotation will play a critical role for individuals when making decisions about repair and maintenance.

What Is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation is moving the tires from one position to another. This is done to help ensure that the tires wear evenly, which helps to improve the lifespan of the tires. When the tires are rotated, it’s also important to check the air pressure and adjust it accordingly. 

There are a few different ways that technicians can rotate the tires. The common method is to move the front tires to the back and vice versa. Other methods include moving the tires diagonally or keeping them in the same position but reversing them.

The main goal of tire rotation is to promote even wear on all four tires. This helps to prevent anyone’s tire from wearing down too quickly. However, it’s also important to note that tire rotation is a preventative measure and not a cure for uneven tire wear.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

On the other hand, wheel alignment is the process of making sure that the tires are pointing in the right direction. This is done by adjusting the suspension of the vehicle. The goal of a wheel alignment is to make sure that the tires are pointing straight ahead and not turned in or out.

It’s important to note that wheel alignment is different from tire rotation. Therefore, wheel alignment should be done when uneven tire wear is already at play. This is because it’s a corrective measure rather than a preventative one. In this case, technicians will adjust the suspension to fix the issue.

While wheel alignment is a corrective measure, it’s important to note that it’s not a cure-all. In some cases, wheel alignment may not be able to fix the issue completely. This is especially true if there is significant damage to the suspension.

Tire Rotation and Wheel Alignment Differences

Although both tire rotation and wheel alignment are important, it’s important to note that they’re two different things. Here are the differences between the two: 

• Tire rotation is a preventative measure, while wheel alignment is a corrective measure.
• Tire rotation helps to promote even tire wear, while wheel alignment helps to make sure that the tires are pointing in the right direction.
• Tire rotation is typically done every 5,000 miles, while wheel alignment is generally done when there is uneven tire wear.
• Tire rotation can be done in a few different ways, while wheel alignment involves adjusting the suspension.

Conclusion

Both tire rotation and wheel alignment are important parts of auto repair and maintenance. However, it’s important to note that they’re two different things. Tire rotation is a preventative measure, while wheel alignment is a corrective measure. Contact AAA Sandoval Transmissions for all your wheel alignment and tire rotation needs.

Categorised in: Car Maintenance

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