In the previous articles, I talked about both tire rotation and wheel alignment as separate topics. These 2 subjects seem to be quite clear for enthusiasts and car owners. Still, a question seems to bother everyone: does tire rotation affect the wheel alignment or not?
These 2 aspects are crucial for optimal long-term tire serviceability. Car owners mistakenly think that one action will consequently lead to the impact of the other. We won't keep you in suspense too long. And I'll answer this question right now: tire rotation has nothing to do with wheel alignment. These 2 procedures are done separately from each other and do not influence each other. Now that you have calmed down a bit by finding out the answer, let's see what these 2 actions have in common or not.
Tire Rotation vs. Wheel Alignment
Let's bring some clarity between these two terms. Tire rotation involves changing the tires between them. Technicians use different tire rotation schemes depending on the type of car traction. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure an even wear of all car tires and to remove stress and pressure on the same tire.
Think about it: front-wheel drive cars receive the biggest impact specifically on the front wheels. Rear-wheel drive cars, respectively, receive all the stress on the rear tires.
Due to the stress caused by braking, acceleration, and cornering, the traction tires wear out much faster than the "secondary" ones.
In these circumstances, the technicians rotate them following specific schemes. As a result, the tires wear evenly, significantly improving the traction, grip, and overall performance of the car. It's a great way to extend the life of tires and optimize the driving experience.
Wheel Alignment And Suspension
Wheel alignment has more to do with the entire suspension system than with the tires. It involves correcting the angles between the wheels and the suspension setup so that in the end the tires have a correct and stable patch contact with the road. In cases where the patch contact is affected by an inappropriate angle, the wheel will pull the car to one side and generate steering vibrations.
Alignment and Rotation: Any Connection?
Car owners often think that if they had a tire rotation done recently, their wheel alignment could have been somehow affected. In reality, however, these 2 procedures are in no way connected. In the same sense, if you recently had a wheel alignment, this does not mean that you should not rotate the tires.
When the technicians perform the wheel alignment, they work directly on the suspension setup. That is the place where the angles of the tires are adjusted.
In contrast, the technicians have no attribution with the suspension setup when they rotate the tires. They remove the tire and move it either parallel, perpendicular, or diagonally (depending on vehicle traction). Respectively, their rotation has nothing to do with the suspension setup.
In this context, you should perform tire rotation and wheel alignment independently of each other. At the same time, you should know that one procedure is unlikely to affect the other unless you give the car to a completely clumsy technician.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Rotation: How Often?
Manufacturers usually come with a set of tire recommendations including tire rotation frequency in the driver's manual. It would be good to follow the suggestions in it. If the instructions are missing, follow the general recommendations that suggest a rotation once every 5-7,000 miles.
The recommendation regarding wheel alignment assumes a frequency of once every 1-2 years. Many drivers perform these procedures simultaneously.
Why Should You Not Skip Tire Rotation and Wheel Alignment?
Both procedures are extremely important for optimal tire serviceability, as well as for maintaining the suspension system in good condition.
Tire rotation brings more benefits than drivers think. As I mentioned before, this procedure improves the overall performance of the vehicle by the fact that the tread wear is uniform. But this is not the only benefit.
Timely tire rotation brings a positive contribution to car handling. Why? Because optimal handling is the result of a firm grip on the road. And when the tires have ever worn, the vehicle is much more stable and safe, eliminating hydroplaning effects.
In the same context, tire rotation has a beneficial impact on the steering system, minimizing its vibrations to zero, especially at high speeds.
As for the wheel alignment...
You will feel a wiser fuel consumption if the wheel angles are correct. Wheel misalignment impacts the rolling resistance of the tire, making the engine seek more power to meet the demand. As a result, the engine consumes more fuel.
Apart from this, the driver has a smooth riding experience. In the context of improper angles, the vehicle is always pulled to one side of the road, which creates driving discomfort and wastes the suspension components.
The lack of problems with wheel alignment ensures an optimal response of the vehicle in tense situations. With acceleration, sudden braking, and turning, you want the car to respond efficiently. In case of a misalignment, each of the actions provides a delayed response.