What to Expect With a Tire Rotation
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: The tires on your car wear at immensely different rates. Therefore rotating them on a regular schedule is your best defense to prevent the need to replace them early. A general guide to follow is to have them rotated every 5,000 miles or so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Rotate My Tires?
Check your owner's manual, but a general rule is to rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or roughly every oil change. Regular rotation promotes even tread wear, which extends the life of the tires and ensures consistent handling. If you skip this service, front tires (which handle steering and braking) often wear out much faster than rear tires.
In Columbia, where heat can accelerate wear, sticking to this schedule is vital. Our technicians check for specific wear patterns during rotation that might indicate alignment or suspension issues, allowing us to address small problems before they ruin your tires.
Can My Flat Tire Be Repaired?
Not all flat tires can be safely repaired. A repair is generally safe if the puncture is in the center tread area and is less than 1/4 inch in diameter. We use a plug-and-patch method to seal the liner and fill the void, restoring the tire's integrity.
However, if the damage is on the sidewall or shoulder of the tire, or if the tire has been driven on while flat, it must be replaced. Sidewall damage compromises the structural integrity of the tire and cannot be fixed. We always inspect the tire inside and out to determine if a flat tire repair in Columbia is a safe option for you.
When Do I Need Tire Replacement?
You need to replace tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch, or if you see the "wear bars" flush with the tread. Tires should also be replaced if they show signs of dry rot (cracking), bulges, or are over 6-10 years old, regardless of tread depth.
Driving on worn tires significantly increases stopping distances and the risk of hydroplaning. We can measure your tread depth digitally and give you a precise timeline for replacement, helping you budget for new tires before they become a safety hazard.
Do I Need an Alignment With New Tires?
Yes, we highly recommend a wheel alignment when installing new tires. If your wheels are misaligned, your new tires will wear unevenly and prematurely, wasting your investment. An alignment ensures that the tires make proper contact with the road.
This service also improves fuel efficiency and handling. Hitting a pothole in Columbia is often enough to throw off alignment, so checking it during installation sets your new tires up for success and ensures the manufacturer's mileage warranty remains valid.
What Is the Difference Between Balance and Alignment?
Wheel balancing and alignment are two distinct services. Balancing corrects weight distribution around the tire and wheel assembly to prevent vibration and wobbling at high speeds. It involves adding small weights to the rim.
Alignment adjusts the angles of the suspension components so the wheels point in the right direction. Misalignment causes the car to pull to one side and leads to uneven tire wear. Both services are essential for a smooth ride and long tire life, and our tire shop in Columbia is equipped to handle both.
Schedule Your Tire Service Today
Your tires are essential for the safety and efficiency of your vehicle. At Christian Brothers Automotive Irmo, we combine technical expertise with a customer-centric philosophy to provide the best tire replacement Columbia has to offer. From our detailed digital inspections to our commitment to honest advice, we ensure your experience is smooth and worry-free.
Don't wait for a flat or a blowout to give your vehicle the care it deserves. Protect your investment and your peace of mind with professional tire maintenance.
Contact us online or call us at (803) 721-2961 to schedule your expert tire service in Columbia, SC.
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FAQs
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Q. "How often should you rotate your tires?"As a general rule of thumb, we recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 - 6,000 miles (although your driving style and vehicle types should also be taken into consideration). Rotating front and rear tires helps to ensure your tread wears down more evenly, optimizing your tire performance and extending its lifespan.
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Q. "How do I tell if I need my tires rotated?"If you notice uneven wear across your tires or vibrations when driving, it may be time for a rotation.
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Q. "How long should my tires last?"Your tire’s lifetime in mileage will depend on your maintenance and driving habits. Your tires could last up to 60,000 miles if you take good care of them, but this mileage will decrease if you don’t perform regular tire rotations.
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Q. "How do tire rotations make my tires last longer?"Tire rotations help prevent uneven wear amongst your tires. Thus, improving the lifespan and preventing any handling issues from a worn-out tire.
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Q. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.