tire rotation

A technician removes lug nuts to perform a tire rotation

Tire rotation is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do. Not only do tire rotations help your tires last longer, but it also helps other parts as well. When we take off the tires to rotate them, we also have access to the brakes. We can inspect the brake system to ensure it is efficient and working properly as well.

Why a tire rotation is needed

The reason a tire rotation is needed is so that they can even out wear. Front and rear tires carry different loads on most vehicles. Front tires carry a slightly heavier load and tend to wear faster than rear tires. The front right tire wears faster than the front left tire. This is because we tend to take left turns faster than we take right turns. In front-wheel drive vehicles, the front tires wear out almost twice as fast as the rear tires.

When wear is equally spread out over all four tires, you can go farther with the same set. That means fewer tire changes over the life of your car. Plus, uneven tires can decrease your fuel efficiency. Keep them properly rotated and you can expect to make fewer pit stops at the gas station.

General Maintenance

You don’t need a significant investment of time or money, either. Many drivers have their tires rotated during an oil change. Depending on where you go, having both done at once can sometimes lead to a discounted price.

Contact us if you have questions

Knowing when to rotate the tires can be easy to find out. Start with your owner’s manual. The manufacturer will likely offer guidelines for your specific make and model. If your manual is missing, consider rotating your tires every 5,000 miles, the tire rotation frequency that’s generally recommended. You can also bring in your vehicle and we can inspect it for you.

If you do not rotate the tires, you could be decreasing your safety. Uneven tire wear can lead to poor handling, making a flat tire or full on tire failure more likely to occur. If you have any questions when your tires should be rotated, make sure to contact us and we can inspect them for you.