Your tires may not get all the attention, but they carry the whole weight of every drive. At Kirksville Motor Company, we understand that a good tire rotation and proper wheel alignment can make all the difference between a smooth ride and a shaky one. Whether you're heading to work, running errands, or hauling stuff out of town, we're here to make sure everything rolls smoothly.

Tire rotation and wheel alignment aren't just checkboxes on a service list. They're key to keeping your ride smooth, your tires wearing evenly, and your vehicle handling the way it should. Here's what they do and why staying on top of them pays off. Tire rotation and wheel alignment aren't just checkboxes on a service list. They're key to keeping your ride smooth, your tires wearing evenly, and your vehicle handling the way it should. Here's what they do and why staying on top of them pays off.

Wheel alignment is about keeping your tires hitting the pavement at the right angles. Everyday driving, navigating potholes, curbs, and speed bumps, can throw off your suspension and nudge your wheels out of place. Over time, your tires will start wearing unevenly, your steering can feel off, and your fuel efficiency takes a hit.

Alignment gets everything back to factory settings — wheels perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other — so your vehicle handles like it should and your tires last a whole lot longer.

Tires don't all wear down at the same pace. Your front tires take more of the load, do more turning, and handle more of the braking, meaning they wear faster. Rotating them — moving front to back and side to side — helps even things out.
Every 5,000 to 8,000 miles is a good rhythm to follow for tire rotation. It's quick, affordable, and helps you squeeze more miles out of your tires. If you're noticing uneven wear or a shaky drive, it's most likely time for a rotation.

Tires and alignment impact safety, fuel efficiency, and long-term costs for your car, but the signs that your vehicle needs them aren't always dramatic. If your ride has been feeling off lately, here's what to look for.

Uneven tread wear is the biggest giveaway. If you notice your front tires are going bald while the rear ones look fine, or there's extra wear in the center of a tire, it's time for a rotation. You might also notice sluggish acceleration, shaking, or stiff steering. In some cases, worn tires can start to affect your suspension or braking. Catching it early helps to stretch out the life of your tires and smooth out your drive.

A vehicle that pulls to one side, even when the road is straight, is a classic sign that your car's wheel alignment is out. Uneven tire wear, especially around the edges, is another red flag. You might also notice the steering wheel sitting off-center or feel uncomfortable when you're driving at higher speeds. If you've had alignment issues before or have recently hit a pothole hard, there's a good chance things have shifted again. Getting your alignment checked keeps your handling sharp and your tires wearing evenly.

Tire rotation and wheel alignment don't always follow the same schedule, but keeping both on your radar is important if you want your tires to last and your ride to feel solid. For tire rotation, the general rule of thumb is every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. However, if you drive on rough roads regularly or have a heavier vehicle, you might need it sooner.
Wheel alignment isn't needed quite as often, but it's smart to have it checked once a year. You should also get a checkup if you've recently hit a nasty pothole or curb, or noticed your steering pulling. Don't wait until your tires are completely worn out or your car feels sloppy, as by then, the damage has already been done. Staying on top of these simple services helps prevent bigger issues in the long run.

Tire rotation and wheel alignment ensure that your car is running correctly. Here's a quick look at what happens during these services at our center for tire repair in Kirksville, Missouri, and how our technicians can get your wheels back in shape.

When your car's due for a tire rotation at our Kirksville auto repair shop, a technician will remove each wheel and move it to a different spot on the vehicle. The pattern depends on the drivetrain — front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive. Sometimes tires move front to back, sometimes side to side, and in many cases, an “X” pattern is used. If two tires have more tread than the others, they're usually placed at the rear to help with grip and reduce the risk of fishtailing.

While the wheels are off, the technician will check the tread depth, look for any nails or damage, adjust the tire pressure, and make sure all the lug nuts are tight. This quick safety check helps your tires continue to wear evenly and prevents any surprises later on.

Wheel alignment takes it a step further. The mechanic will use special tools to adjust three important angles: camber (the tilt of the tire), caster (the steering angle for balance), and toe (whether your tires are pointing in or out). Once these are all set correctly, your car will drive straight, the tires will wear evenly, and handling will feel much better.

When you need tire rotation or wheel alignment, it's important to find tire shops in Kirksville, Missouri, that know how to handle it right. At Kirksville Motor Company, we have the tools and experience to keep your car running safely and smoothly. Whether it's a regular checkup or a recurring problem, we're ready to help you drive with confidence again. If you're looking to save, check out our current service coupons. Drop by or book your service online today, and we'll take it from there.

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