Summer in Conyers brings road trips, stop-and-go traffic, construction zones, and the kind of heat that makes your tires work harder than almost any other time of year. If you haven’t thought about a tire rotation or alignment recently, this is your reminder—it’s not just about keeping the ride smooth. It’s about safety, fuel economy, and getting the full life out of your tires.

At Gibbs Automotive, we see a spike in uneven tire wear and alignment issues every summer. Most of it can be prevented with regular maintenance and quick inspections. Let’s walk through why summer puts your tires to the test, how alignment and rotation work together, and when to come in for a check.

What Summer Heat Does to Your Tires

Georgia heat can push pavement temperatures well above 120 degrees. That kind of heat causes the air inside your tires to expand, which changes tire pressure more often than most drivers realize. Overinflated tires wear unevenly and can reduce grip on the road. Underinflated tires, on the other hand, run hotter, flex more, and are more prone to blowouts.

In addition to heat, summer driving includes more travel at highway speeds, more construction zones that can knock alignment out of place, and more risk of hitting potholes leftover from spring rains.

That combination can do a number on your tires if they aren’t rotated and aligned regularly.

What Is a Tire Rotation and Why Does It Matter?

Tire rotation is the process of moving your tires from one position to another—typically from front to back, side to side, or diagonally. Most vehicles place more stress on the front tires, especially front-wheel-drive models, which means they wear out faster.

Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles helps ensure all four wear evenly, which extends their lifespan and improves your car’s handling. It also helps protect your suspension system and improves overall fuel efficiency.

Skipping rotations can lead to bald spots, noisy driving, and premature tire replacements—all of which are preventable.

What About Wheel Alignments?

Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your wheels so they’re set to your manufacturer’s specs. When your wheels are out of alignment, your car might pull to one side, your steering wheel could feel off-center, or you might notice uneven tire wear.

Misalignment often happens after hitting a pothole, curb, or debris on the road—all common during Georgia summers when construction ramps up.

Driving with poor alignment reduces fuel efficiency, increases tire wear, and makes your vehicle harder to control, especially at higher speeds or during rain.

If you’ve noticed your car drifting slightly on a straight road, or your tires look uneven, it’s worth having the alignment checked.

How to Know if You Need a Rotation or Alignment

Here are a few signs it’s time to bring your car into Gibbs Automotive:

Your steering wheel vibrates or feels off-center The car pulls to the left or right while driving straight You’ve hit a big pothole or curb recently You see uneven wear patterns on your tires You haven’t had your tires rotated in over 6,000 miles Your vehicle feels less stable at highway speeds

Even if none of these sound familiar, it’s a good idea to have your alignment and tires checked at the start of each season—especially before summer travel.

How Often Should Conyers Drivers Rotate Tires or Get an Alignment?

Most vehicles need a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. For many people, that’s every oil change. Alignments don’t need to be done as often, but we recommend checking alignment at least once a year—or sooner if you’ve hit something or notice symptoms.

Summer is the ideal time to take care of both, especially if you’re planning road trips or doing more driving than usual.

Why This Matters for Safety

Uneven tires don’t just wear out faster—they affect braking, cornering, and how your car handles in wet conditions. That’s critical in summer, when sudden rainstorms can hit hard, and traction matters most.

An out-of-alignment vehicle may not respond the way it should in an emergency, especially if your tires are already in rough shape.

Keeping your tires rotated and your wheels aligned helps keep your family safer, your vehicle more efficient, and your summer drives more enjoyable.

Let Gibbs Automotive Handle It for You

We’re a full-service auto repair shop right here in Conyers, and our team works with all makes and models. Our tire services are quick, thorough, and backed by a local reputation for honesty and quality.

Here’s what you can expect with a tire and alignment visit:

Tire tread and pressure inspection Full tire rotation Digital alignment check and adjustment Suspension check if needed Straightforward explanation of what we find

If your tires are in good shape, we’ll tell you. If not, we’ll walk you through your options without pressure or sales tactics.

Schedule Tire Service in Conyers Before You Hit the Road

If you're planning a trip or just want to make sure your vehicle is ready for summer driving, now’s the time to schedule your appointment. Rotations and alignments are quick services that make a big difference in how your car performs over time.

Call today to schedule a tire rotation and alignment check or include it with your next oil change or maintenance service.