In the world of vehicle maintenance, tires are, literally, where the rubber meets the road. Tire rotation is crucial for the safety and reliability of your car, and tires are a fairly significant investment. With tires being such a major piece of the transportation puzzle, it's smart to understand tire rotation and everything that goes into it.
Tire Rotation FAQs
The first thing you need to know about tire rotation is that it's not something you have to do yourself. Tire service experts have all the tools and know-how to get the job done safely, quickly, and efficiently—so all you need to do is understand what's happening to your car (and when to take it in for a little TLC).
Here are the most important things to know about tire rotation.
Why Should You Get Your Tires Rotated?
Tire rotation is a critical part of overall car maintenance. It minimizes the wear on the tires, helps them last longer, and keeps your car's safety, and performance levels high. If you don't rotate them on a regular schedule, you can experience uneven wear and, ultimately, a bumpier ride. Additionally, not rotating your tires will likely mean you'll need to replace them more often. Which only costs you more money!
How Often Should You Have It Done?
Different types of vehicles—that is, 2WD, 4WD, and AWD—wear down tires at different rates, which means tire rotation should be done at different times. A general rule of thumb for any vehicle is to plan a tire rotation every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. A simple way to remember when to do it is to have them rotated whenever you get your oil changed.
Signs Your Tires Need To Be Rotated
There are four main signs to look for deciding if your tires need a rotation.
Mileage
As mentioned above, most automotive repair specialists recommend having a tire rotation every, or every-other time you have your oil changed. This coincides with every 3,000 to 7,000 miles traveled. Additionally, a vehicle’s owners manual should specify the manufacturer’s mileage recommendations as well.
Losing Pressure
If one tire is losing air pressure for no apparent reason, it could be because it is under more pressure than the others. This is due to the vehicle’s weight failing to distribute evenly across all four wheels. For instance, in most vehicles, the front bears more weight than the back. Also, the front left area may carry more weight than the front right if you typically drive your car without passengers.
Uneven Wear
Your tires will begin to wear simply by being on the road during a normal commute. They will also begin to wear in a unique pattern based merely on your individual daily routine. It’s normal for the front wheels to sustain more wear and tear than the rear. This is because the front of the vehicle bears the brunt of braking, the load of the engine, and directs the car in turns. However, if one tire is noticeably more worn out than the others, it’s time for a tire rotation. Likewise, if the tread on the front pair is wearing out, you should replace these as well as the back ones to ensure all four are identically sized.
Vibrations
If your car vibrates or shakes while driving, it may indicate your tires are unevenly worn. This can happen consistently or may only be noticeable at higher speeds. Either way, these vibrations can indicate that it’s time for a tire rotation.
What Does A Rotation Entail?
Depending on what type of vehicle you have, your mechanic will swap your tires differently. There are "patterns" of change--all influenced by how your specific vehicle operates--that help balance out the wear and tear put on each tire. Luckily, as long as your mechanic knows what they're doing, you don't have to remember any specifics!
If you have noticed any of these signs in your tires lately, it may be time to get your tires rotated. At Naylor’s, you can rest assured our mechanics are confident and experienced in handling all types of vehicle maintenance.
Need help repairing or maintaining your vehicle? Give us a call today!