Tire rotation, wheel balancing and wheel alignment services

Tire safety is often overlooked but is one of the most important components of your vehicle that need to be cared for regularly. Replacing your tires can come with a hefty price tag, which is why it’s important to detect any issues right away.

Taking the time to check your tires now can save you time and money in the future. Most importantly, proper tire care can prevent a serious accident down the line.

If you notice any problems with your tread, tire alignment, or other tire issues, we strongly recommend you come in to see a professional as soon as possible. Without proper tire care, you risk the dangers of blowing out a tire on the road.

Book an appointment for a tire service in Calgary with My Calgary Mechanic today.

Tire Rotation

The amount of wear and tear on certain areas of your tires vary depending on the amount of friction. Front tires tend to see more erosion because they handle much of the cornering forces during turns, which is even greater for front wheel drive vehicles.

Getting your tires rotated regularly allows for all tires to wear more evenly over time and increases their lifespan. Tire rotation is performed to even out tread wear and give the front tires a little break on the back end. Tire rotation patterns vary for each vehicle. For most vehicles, the tire rotates front to back. Some manufacturers recommend a cross rotation pattern that includes the spare tire.

Some high-performance vehicles have different size tires on the front and rear, and may even have a unidirectional tire that can only be on the left or right side of the vehicle. An experienced technician can ensure that the right tire rotation and maintenance is performed on your vehicle. Book an appointment for tire rotation service in Calgary with My Calgary Mechanic today.

Wheel Balancing

When wheels are out of balance, there are small weight differences between tires that can cause annoying vibrations at speed. When this happens, there are heavy spots on the tire and wheel which causes your car to wobble as you drive. Overtime, unbalanced tires experience premature wear.

The first signs of improper wheel balance

If a front wheel is out of balance, you will feel the vibration through the steering wheel. When it is a rear tire, you will feel the vibration through your seat. It’s important to bring your vehicle in right away to determined if it’s a balance issue or something else that can become an even bigger problem later on.

How often do you need to service your tires?

How often you need a tire service is dependent on several factors like the type of tread pattern, size of the front and rear tires, and your driving style. Your certified My Calgary Mechanic technician can provide you with a tailored maintenance schedule for you particular vehicle. We use only the best in diagnostic tools and equipment to make sure that the service you receive is top of the line.
Book an appointment for wheel balancing service in SE Calgary with My Calgary Mechanic today.

Frequently Asked Questions

A wheel alignment is the adjustment of the suspension system. Contrary to the name, an alignment involves more than the tires and the wheels. Proper alignment deals with how the angles of the tires make contact with the road.

Signs to look for that indicate your vehicle needs an alignment include:

  • Pulling to the left or right when driving
  • Uneven wear on tire treads
  • The steering wheel is not centered when driving
  • The steering wheel shakes when driving
A wheel alignment adjusts the vehicle’s suspension to make sure that the wheels are pointing straight, the tires are centred, and they make contact with the road at the correct angle. This helps extend the life of your tires, ensures a smoother ride, and helps restore gas mileage.
Typically, a straightforward alignment takes about an hour for two-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles. If there is wear and tear on any suspension components, alignment will take longer as these damaged parts need to be replaced for your safety.
Although there is no specific requirement for taking your vehicle in for an alignment, it’s important not to ignore the signs. Doing so can lead to more damage and costly repairs or replacement of certain parts. When new tires are installed, your mechanic will recommend an alignment to prevent premature wear.