Are your tires making strange noises or vibrating a lot, and now you want to go for a tire rotation? With your busy schedule, you must be wondering how long tire rotation takes so that you can take out some time.
Most tire rotations and balances take less than an hour to complete. However, the timing of the overall process may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle and tire type.
Besides, the number of tires being rotated will also affect the time it takes. For example, if you have four tires that need to be rotated, it will take longer than if you only have two tires that need to be rotated.
If you still have questions about tire rotation, keep scrolling as we will answer them all!
How Long Does Tire Rotation and Balance Take?
Rotating and balancing tires usually takes around 30 minutes. However, this may vary depending on the vehicle and the service type. It might take longer if you get other services, including tire inflation and tire maintenance.
When rotating tires, the technician will move them to different positions on the vehicle. It helps to distribute wear and extend the life of the tires evenly. Balancing tires involves adding or removing weight from the wheel to keep them rotating evenly.
How Much Does A Tire Rotation Cost?
Tire rotation is an important part of vehicle maintenance and a service that can be performed relatively cheaply. Depending on the shop you go to, a tire rotation can cost anywhere from $20 to $50. Having this done regularly is worth it, as it will help your tires last longer and provide better traction.
How Do I Know That My Tire Needs Rotation?
If you’re not sure whether or not your tires need to be rotated, here are some things to look for:
- Tires that are wearing unevenly
- Reduced tread depth
- Tire tracks that aren’t pointing in the same direction
Here are some things you can do to check when your next tire rotation is due.
Visual Inspection
If you take a close look at your tires, you may be able to see if they need rotation. If the tread is wearing down unevenly or one tire seems more worn than the others, it’s probably time for a rotation.
Uneven Tire Wear
One of the most obvious signs that your tires need to be rotated is uneven tire wear. If you notice that one tire is starting to show more wear than the others, it’s a good indication that they all need to be rotated.
The Penny Test
You can also do the “penny test” to check the tread on your tires. Simply take a penny and insert it into the tread of your tire. If you can see Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tread is too shallow, and you need new tires.
Vibrations While Driving
Another sign that your tires may need to be rotated is if you start to feel vibrations while driving. This usually indicates that the tread on your tires is uneven and needs to be evened out.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
If you notice that your fuel efficiency has decreased, it could be a sign that your tires need to be rotated. When the tread on your tires is worn down, it causes your car to have to work harder to move, which decreases fuel efficiency.
Your Vehicle’s Manual
The best way to know if your tires need to be rotated is to consult your vehicle’s manual. It will have specific instructions on when and how often you should rotate your tires.
If you notice any of these signs, taking your car in for a tire rotation is a good idea. It’s a simple and inexpensive procedure that can help extend the life of your tires and keep you safe on the road.
5 Things You Should Know When Rotating Car Tires
Time
Rotating your car tires at the recommended intervals is vital for safety and performance. To ensure optimal performance and safety, you should do tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or about every 6 months.
Tools
You’ll need basic tools to rotate your tires, including a jack, lug wrench, and tire iron.
Weight of car
It’s important to know the weight of your car before you begin tire rotation, as certain jacks and stands may be better suited for heavier vehicles.
Surface
When rotating your tires, do so on a level surface. Working on an uneven surface can cause the car to become unbalanced and lead to accidents.
Speed limit
When rotating your tires, be sure to obey the speed limit. Rotating your tires at high speeds can be dangerous and could cause damage to the vehicle.
Tire Rotation Pattern
Before rotating your tires, you should know your vehicle’s recommended rotation pattern. In most cases, front tires wear out faster than the rear tires. Therefore, switching them around is vital so that all the tires will wear evenly.
Why Do Your Car Tires Go Out of Balance?
Your car tires might go out of balance for a few different reasons. One common cause is that the car’s weight isn’t evenly distributed across all four tires. It might be because of a heavy load in the trunk or because the vehicle is leaning to one side. Uneven wear on your tires can also cause them to go out of balance.
If you’re experiencing issues with your car tires going out of balance, you can do a few things to fix the problem. One is to get your tires rebalanced. It means that a technician will adjust the weight of each tire so that it’s evenly distributed.
How To Balance Car Tires?
Check the pressure in all four tires. If any tires are low, fill them up to the recommended pressure. Once all four tires have the correct air, it’s time to start balancing them. There are two ways to balance car tires: with or without a balancer.
With Balancer
- Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Remove the hubcaps or wheel covers from your car’s tires.
- Locate the valve stem on each tire and deflate them to the recommended pressure.
- Place the balancer on a level surface and line up the tire with the balancing machine.
- Apply a small amount of weight to the tire until it is balanced.
- Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure and re-install the hubcaps or wheel covers.
- Repeat this process for each tire on your car.
Check Out How to Balance Your Car’s Tires:
Without a Balancer
- Find a flat surface to work on. You’ll need to be able to spin the tires around, so a driveway or a garage floor is ideal.
- Once you have a flat surface to work on, remove the hubcaps or wheel covers from all four tires.
- Locate the heavy spot on each tire. The easiest way to do this is to use a chalk pencil and mark the tire all the way around.
- Once the tires are marked, spin each one around and see where the chalk mark lines up. The spot where the chalk mark lines up is the heavy spot on the tire.
- Now that you’ve found the heavy spots on each tire, it’s time to start balancing them.
- You’ll need to add weight to the heavy spots to do this. The easiest way to do this is to use small weights that you can stick on with adhesive. You can usually find these weights at any auto parts store.
- Once you’ve added the weights to the heavy spots, spin the tires around again and see if the chalk marks line up in the same spot. If they do, then you’ve successfully balanced the tire. If not, then you’ll need to add more weight to the heavy spot or move the weight around until the chalk mark lines up again.
FAQs
How much does a tire rotation at Walmart cost?
Walmart’s tire rotation service is a great way to keep your tires in good condition and extend their life. However, the cost of the service varies depending on your location. Having your tires rotated at Walmart costs around $10-$15. Be sure to check with your local store for specific pricing information.
How long does it take to balance and change four tires?
It can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to change 4 tires and balance them. However, this may vary depending on the type of car, the condition of the tires, and the person’s skill level doing the work. So it’s always best to ask a technician for an estimate before starting.
Can tires be rotated without being balanced?
There are a few ways you can rotate tires without balancing them.
– One way is to use a tire rotation chart to determine how the tires should be
rotated.
– Another way is to mark the front and rear of each tire with chalk or paint, then
switch them around when you’re done rotating them.
– Finally, you can use a tire balancer to determine whether or not the tires are
balanced.
Should I rotate my tires before I have them aligned?
Some mechanics recommend getting your tires rotated before having an alignment done, while others say it’s unnecessary. Ultimately, deciding what you want to do is up to you. If you do get your tires rotated first, the alignment technician may need to adjust the alignment settings to compensate.
Final Considerations
If you frequently drive on rough roads or in extreme weather conditions, you may need to have your tires serviced more often. The good news is that tire rotation and balance is a relatively quick and inexpensive procedure.
Most tire shop mechanics can complete the job in about an hour, and it shouldn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars. So if it’s been a while since you’ve got your tire service, it’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a tire inspection.
