Even Tread Wear
Tire Rotation is the process of relocating your tires from one position on your car to another, usually front-to-back and left-to-right. By switching the position of your tires, you can help them wear more evenly, which extends their life and makes for a smoother, safer drive. Most car manufacturers recommend that you get your tires rotated every 5,000 miles or about six months, though this can vary by vehicle model and how and where you drive.
Evenly worn tires are also safer for you and your passengers, as the treads will remain at their proper depths and will be less likely to blow out or fail. If your tires are unevenly worn, however, you may notice that your vehicle handles differently or has reduced traction. This can be dangerous, especially in bad weather or during hazardous driving conditions. Regular tire rotations help reduce the chances of your tires becoming unusable, saving you money on expensive replacement costs and ensuring that your tires will be safe to drive for the remainder of their life.
Tires are one of the most important components of your vehicle, so it’s important to keep them in top condition. To do that, they need to be rotated regularly. But what exactly does that mean? And what’s the best rotation pattern for your car? Read on to learn more about this important maintenance service.
Different Tire Rotation Patterns
The type of tire rotation pattern that’s best for your vehicle will depend on a few factors, including whether you have rear, all-wheel or four-wheel drive, if your tires are directional or non-directional, and if you have a full-size spare or a temporary tire. The following tire rotation patterns are a good starting point, but you should always consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations or for the best rotation pattern for your car.
Some cars are not easy to rotate tires on, especially those with space-saver spares, directional or non-directional tires, different wheel offsets or sizes between the front and rear axles, and/or mixed tire sizes on both the front and rear axles. In these cases, you may need to dismount the tires and reinstall them in their original positions or even remove and re-mount the wheels.
Even if you take excellent care of your tires, they will still need to be rotated regularly to maintain their safety and performance. Check the tire rotation schedule in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and plan on getting your tires rotated about once every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This will prevent excessive wear and tear on your tires, save you money in the long run, and make your vehicle more enjoyable to drive!