To keep your car or truck running well, you must perform routine maintenance on it, whether you do it yourself or take it to a shop. Tasks such as changing the oil and filters, replacing the spark plugs and windshield wipers, and aligning and balancing the tires are important. They extend the life of the vehicle and keep it on the road. No machine will run forever without maintenance—it’s a fact. Balancing and aligning your tires may seem like a minor thing, but it’s critical for the performance of the car. Here we talk about the importance of tire alignment and balancing.

Tire Alignment

A tire alignment is more of an adjustment to the car’s suspension system. The suspension connects the wheels to the vehicle. The shocks, struts, and tie rods are just a few of the parts that make up the suspension system. When your car starts pulling to one side or when the steering wheel turns to one side as you’re driving straight, you likely need an alignment. Another sign is uneven wear on the tires. Do an inspection—if one side of the tire is bald while the other side still has good tread, get the alignment straightened out.

Tire Balancing

When there’s an uneven distribution of weight on the car, the tires need balancing. When the wheels are out of balance, uneven tire wear, vibration, and damage to the suspension could occur. During a tire balance, the wheels are taken off the vehicle and mounted onto a tire balancing machine. The machine spins the tires and wheels to measure the imbalance. The mechanic can then install the proper tire weights and bring them back into balance so that the tires spin smoothly and evenly.

Why It’s Important

These two repairs are important because they help your car drive smoothly. No one likes to ride in a bumpy car; balancing the tires and checking the alignment will make for a smooth ride. It also helps the tires last longer and protects them from uneven wear. If the car isn’t running well, the engine works harder, burns more fuel, and puts more wear on vital engine parts. Maintaining the tires and alignment is cheaper than having to overhaul the engine. Doing this minor bit of maintenance will pay off down the road. When it’s time to balance your tires in Savanna, GA, visit us at RNR Tire Express. We have everything necessary to smooth out your ride.