3 Types of Tyre and Wheel Services Every Car Requires
Posted on: 28 January 2018
Your car tyres are the only part of the vehicle that remain in contact with the road surface all the time. In other words, the tyres are the main source of connection between your vehicle and the ground you are travelling on.
Well-cared for tyres ensure better handling of the vehicle on the road, which translates into increased driving safety and comfort, but also prolonged tyre life. Therefore, taking your car to the auto service shop for tyre and wheels servicing as part of routine maintenance is critical to ensuring optimal car performance.
Here is a look at some typical services that mechanics can offer for your tyres and wheels.
Wheel alignment
It is scary when you're trying to stay on the road but your car drags to one side of the road. This is usually a sign that your wheels are out of alignment and need to be properly aligned. Wheel alignment involves adjusting certain angles of your wheels so they can remain parallel to each other and perpendicular to the surface of the road at all times. This is intended to ensure optimal control of the vehicle while you're driving. It also helps to minimise premature tyre wear, thus extending the lifespan of tyres.
Tyre balancing
It is not normal for your car to shake through the steering wheel while you are driving. If it does, you should know that your tyres may need balancing. Tyre balancing involves using computerised diagnostic equipment to measure any imbalances in the tyre-wheel assembly. Corrective weights are then applied to counteract the imbalances. Tyre balancing helps to ensure a smooth and comfortable rise and to reduce tyre wear.
Tyre rotation
The impact of the rolling, cornering and braking forces that each of your tyres is subjected to while you are driving varies depending on what type of drivetrain your car has. On front-wheel drive cars, power is transferred to the front tyres, which also take the brunt of all the forces while the rear tyres just tag along. On rear-wheel drive cars, power gets transmitted to the back while the front tyres handle steering forces. All-wheel drive and 4×4s also have their own power and vehicle-handling characteristics, which impact how the tyres wear.
The point is that your tyres are all going to wear differently due to the force and friction. For this reason, tyre rotation will be required. Tyre rotation involves repositioning your wheels and tyres to even out tyre wear patterns, thus increasing the useful life of your tyres.
By taking your car to the tyre and wheel centre as required, you will not only be able to improve your driving safety and comfort, but also increase the overall performance of your car. So make sure you give your tyres and wheels the attention they deserve.
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