How Important is it to Rotate Your Tires?

Tire rotation is one of those routine maintenance suggestions that most of us are familiar with. Today we are going to talk about why rotating your tires is important, and how to know when it is time for a rotation.

When a service technician rotates your tires, they are focused on routinely repositioning your tires in specific patterns from front to back, or side to side. Car manufacturers recommend rotating your tires as an element of both upkeep and safety. Additionally, rotating your tires might be a qualification for the warranty on them.

Most people recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 miles unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. For a lot of us, that will mean getting your tires rotated when you get your oil changed. Luckily, most service departments lump these services together at a discount so that it makes the most sense to have them done simultaneously.

So, why is it so important to rotate your tires? Tire tread is a large aspect of tire care and safety. By routinely rotating your tires, you help to ensure that the wear on your tires is spread evenly, and the life of the tread is maximized. Uniform tread depth also ensures that traction and handling remain consistent across all four tires.

Another important reason to rotate your tires is because of the effect it has on all-wheel-drive vehicles. When your tire tread is evenly worn, there is less stress on the drivetrain, which will reduce the wear and tear on expensive drive components.

Without regular tire rotations, tread can wear down unevenly, creating a potentially dangerous and unstable driving surface. You could experience increased risk of blowouts or punctures, poor traction, heat buildup, or hydroplaning as a result.

Tire rotation is a paramount “standard practice” when it comes to tire care. Subsequently, be sure to add tire rotation to your regular maintenance, and do your research to see the recommendations for what is considered “routine” for your particular vehicle.

Image by Robert Laursoo Licensed by Unsplash