Wheel Alignment & Tire Rotation

What Is a Wheel Alignment?

A wheel alignment is a process involving minor adjustments to the angles of your wheels to ensure they’re perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. If done correctly, an alignment will ensure that every wheel is pointed in exactly the same direction and that every tire maintains optimal contact with the road.

A proper vehicle alignment requires a high level of precision and has significant potential for error. It’s a complicated procedure involving meticulous angle measurements and calculated adjustments to perfectly align your wheels. While you may be able to tackle the job at home, we highly recommend that you opt for a professional wheel alignment service.

What Is a Tire Rotation?

A tire rotation, or wheel rotation, is the process of moving the wheels of a vehicle from one position to another to ensure even wear and extend the life of the tires. This is typically done by moving the front tires to the back and the back tires to the front, or by moving the tires on one side of the vehicle to the opposite side. The specific pattern of rotation will depend on the vehicle and the type of tires being used. Manufacturers recommend you rotate your tires at regular intervals.

Why Should I Have Wheel Alignments and Tire Rotations Done on My Vehicle?

When you hit a bump in the road or run over a pothole, your car's suspension system absorbs the impact. One major impact or several minor bumps over time can cause your suspension system to get out of alignment, which can rapidly, unevenly, and prematurely wear down your tires. Other possible issues that are associated with a misaligned suspension include lower fuel efficiency, increased strain on suspension components, and impeded braking ability. A wheel alignment will correct these problems and keep your vehicle running as efficiently as possible while lengthening the life of your tires.

Regularly rotating your tires will evenly spread wear across all four tires, maximizing their tread life. This is because the location of each specific tire demands a different portion of torque and friction. Furthermore, tire rotations can boost traction and handling, improving braking performance and keeping you safer. In some cases, you need to rotate your tires on a regular basis, or you risk voiding your manufacturer's warranty. You will easily notice a difference in your tires' appearance and performance after incorporating tire rotations into your regular maintenance.

How Often Do I Need Wheel Alignments and Tire Rotations?

Because of the importance of a properly aligned suspension, you should get a wheel alignment every few years. Some owner's manuals may have a recommended timeline you can follow when scheduling wheel alignments. There are also a few signs to look for that may indicate it’s time to take advantage of our wheel alignment service:

• Your vehicle is pulling to one side or the other.
• The tread on your tires is wearing down unevenly.
• Your vehicle is shaking or vibrating while driving.
• Your steering wheel is not centered or feels less precise.

Your tires should be rotated as recommended by the manufacturer, or approximately every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Oftentimes, tire rotations are done at an interval that lines up with every other oil change. Below are some warning signals to look for that suggest you should rotate your tires as soon as possible:

• Shaking or vibration coming from your tires.
• One or more of your tires loses pressure faster than the others.
• Uneven wear on one or more of your tires.

How Much Do Wheel Alignments and Tire Rotations Cost?

It's not hard to find fairly cheap wheel alignment and tire rotation services. While wheel alignment prices can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, tire rotations are generally considered to be a relatively low-cost service. The national average of a wheel alignment is between $50 and $168. Front-wheel alignments are typically less expensive than those involving all four wheels.

The type of tire on your car can factor into the cost of a tire rotation, but it usually won't break the bank. Here at Dublin Toyota, we include tire rotations and a comprehensive vehicle inspection in our affordable minimum scheduled maintenance package.

Schedule an Appointment With Dublin Toyota's Service Department

Ready to schedule a wheel alignment, tire rotation, or both? The expert technicians at our service center have the knowledge and expertise to carry out a wheel alignment and tire rotation on your vehicle correctly and efficiently. Experience the difference in your vehicle's performance and ensure the long-term health of your tires thanks to our trusted team. Be sure to check out our current service specials before scheduling your appointment. We pride ourselves on providing you with excellent service, and we may be able to save you some money in the process.

In need of a new set of tires? Our service center offers exact replacements of your original Toyota tires at a competitive rate.