Comprehensive After-Tire Installation Services: Balancing, Alignment, and More
When you install four new tires on your vehicle, it's essential to perform a series of additional services to ensure safe and optimal performance. These services include tire balancing, four-wheel alignment, suspension maintenance, brake inspection, and CV joint maintenance. Ensuring that these services are carried out can significantly extend the lifespan of your tires and enhance your overall driving experience.
Tire Balancing
After mounting all four new tires, it is crucial to have them balanced at high speed. Tire imbalance can cause vibrations, uneven tire wear, and affect your vehicle's handling. High-speed balancing ensures that the weight distribution of the tires is even, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Four-Wheel Alignment
Replacing all four tires is a perfect opportunity to perform a four-wheel alignment. Over time, the vehicle may accumulate significant mileage, leading to wear and tear of suspension components. Furthermore, worn-out tires can indicate potential alignment issues that need to be addressed. Failing to perform a four-wheel alignment can result in premature wear of the new tires due to existing alignment problems. Even if you drive in a city or on bad roads, there's a high probability that your wheels were out of line, which can accelerate tire wear. Investing in an alignment will ensure your wheels run straight, minimizing wear and tear.
Suspension Maintenance
Given that the vehicle needs to be in a state where all tires can be removed during the tire change process, it is an ideal time to lubricate any suspension components that may benefit from it. It's important to note that many modern vehicles have sealed units that require maintenance only until replacement. However, if you do find the need to lubricate suspension components, it is an opportune moment to do so, especially when the vehicle is already being serviced.
Brake Inspection and Replacement
Additionally, it is a good idea to inspect the wear on your brake pads or shoes and the brake rotors or drums. Performing these inspections can help you identify potential issues that may require replacement in the near future. By addressing these issues during the tire change process, you can save time and avoid duplicate labor costs. If you notice any indications that replacement is within a few thousand miles, it is often financially expedient to perform the necessary work at this time.
Wheel Bearings and Hubs Inspection
Inspect all four wheel bearings and hubs for any signs of wear and lubrication. While many modern wheel bearings are sealed and not serviceable until replacement is required, it is still beneficial to inspect them. In cases where regreasing is possible, it is an ideal time to do so. This routine maintenance can help detect potential issues before they become severe, thus saving you from costly repairs in the future.
CV Joint Maintenance
If your vehicle utilizes constant velocity (CV) joints, it is essential to inspect the boots for any signs of damage, dry rot, or failure. If any of these signs are evident, clean and inspect the joint, and at a minimum, replace the boots, clamps, and regrease the joint. In more severe cases, the entire CV axle may need to be remanufactured or replaced. Proper maintenance of CV joints ensures that your vehicle's drivetrain remains in optimal condition, preventing potential accidents or breakdowns.
In conclusion, performing additional services such as tire balancing, four-wheel alignment, suspension maintenance, brake inspection, and CV joint maintenance after installing new tires is not only recommended but also beneficial. By taking care of these tasks, you can significantly enhance the performance and longevity of your vehicle, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.