Your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. Your tires contact patches with the pavement are in use on every single drive and in all weather conditions. So, well-cared-for tires are crucial to keep you safe during your drives. One way to maintain the performance and safety of your vehicle is with tire rotations.
A tire rotation is when you change the position of each of the tires on your vehicle. Tire rotations are an excellent opportunity to visually check for damage, air pressure, and tread depth. It’s also a time to have them rebalanced if you’re noticing any vibrations during your drives.
A tire’s tread is where the rubber meets the road in your car. When you’re driving, the tire tread provides traction and grip. Over time, tire tread gradually begins to wear. Tire tread that is too worn down can create a safety concern. But by rotating your tires, you can reduce uneven treadwear and keep your tires working and safe for longer.
There are several reasons why tire rotation is an integral part of your car and tire maintenance.
When you drive, each specific position on your vehicle requires a different give from each tire. The primary driving wheels have more work to do and often exhibit quicker rates of wear.
For example, a front-wheel-drive car uses its hard-working front wheels to steer, brake, and put the power down to the pavement. The position of each tire can lead to more, or less, wear on the tire. If your vehicle has all-wheel-drive, evenly worn tires lower the stresses and reduce wear on expensive drive components.
By routinely rotating your tires, the wear is spread evenly, which maximizes and extends their tread life. It is also important to rotate new tires because deep, fresh tire tread is more susceptible to uneven wear.
Rotating your tires also helps keep the tread depth on your tires uniform. Uniform tread depth can help keep traction and handling consistent. This will improve braking performance and keep your vehicle safer for driving.
It’s important to rotate tires regularly because routine tire rotation prevents uneven tire wear.
You should rotate your tires as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Usually, tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles. A good way to remember is to have them rotated every time you get an oil change. If your owner’s manual states that your car doesn’t need new oil that frequently, then schedule a tire rotation for your vehicle at least once every six months.
Depending on the vehicle you’re driving, your tires will wear at different rates. You may need to get your tires rotated more often if you drive a performance vehicle or if you notice substantial uneven wear.
By rotating your tires, you give them a chance to even out the tread wear. And then you’re extending the life of your tires.
There are some signs to look for if you need to rotate your tires.
Uneven tread can cause a lot of vibrations that you feel through the steering wheel while you drive. And if you notice inconsistencies in thickness across a single tire, you should look into getting them rotated as soon as possible. If one of your tires is losing air consistently, it could be a sign that it is wearing unevenly.
These warning signs are all signals to get all four of the tires rotated.
Have a vehicle that needs new tires, used tires, or tire rotations done? Our tire and auto service professionals will give your car’s tires the checkup and tire rotation they need.
