Wheel Alignment in Columbia, MD
: What’s the difference between wheel alignment and tire rotation?
Wheel Alignment
When you take your car to your local service center for a wheel alignment, you’re asking your mechanic to adjust the suspension and steering systems to correct any pulling or drifting of the vehicle is doing when you’re driving in a straight line. The service center will align the front wheels with most vehicles' fixed axle rear wheels. However, your mechanic will align the wheels to each other independently for vehicles with independent rear axles. When the technician at your service center aligns the wheels, they likely won’t be working on the wheels themselves but instead will adjust the steering and suspension to bring the wheels into alignment.
Wheel alignment can be a costly and time-consuming repair. Unless you notice a change in how your vehicle drives, you don’t need to have the wheels aligned on a regular schedule. Keeping your wheels aligned can help improve the life of your tires and improve the safety and smooth nature of the ride for your vehicle.
Tire Rotation
While a wheel alignment can help your vehicle drive straight without pulling and keep your ride safe as you drive, a tire rotation will help balance the wear on your tires, as well as smooth out the ride via balancing the wheels and tires and making certain the wheels are truly round. Because your tires will wear with normal, day-to-day driving, you should have your tires rotated on a regular schedule you set up with your mechanic based on your driving habits, the tires you’ve put on your vehicle, and the age on your tires.
Wheel alignment and tire rotation are both maintenance processes that help keep your vehicle in good shape. These maintenance processes can improve your gas mileage, extend your tires' life, and ensure your ride is safe and secure as you drive.
If you live in the Columbia, MD area, now is the time to call AutoStream Car Care to speak with their technicians about any trouble you’re having with your vehicle. Make an appointment today to discuss the preventative maintenance services your vehicle needs now and going forward. They’ll be happy to make time to answer your questions and help you create a preventative maintenance schedule that fits the needs of your vehicle.
