Your tires constantly rotate to move your car down the road. Does this mean you get a tire rotation every time you drive to the grocery store? Not quite. Here's what it means to get a tire rotation, along with how often you should treat your car to this important service.
What’s a Tire Rotation?
During a tire rotation, a qualified technician removes, swaps, and then remounts your tires.
This “swapping” happens between the front and rear tires, as the diagram below illustrates. Whether you drive a 4WD truck or FWD sedan, two out of your four wheels work harder than the others. Naturally, the harder working tires wear down quicker.
Tire rotation helps ensure all four tires wear down evenly.
How Often Do I Need a Tire Rotation?
Typical wisdom says to rotate your tires about every 5,000 miles.
However, it depends on how, where, and what you drive. Certain road conditions, types of vehicles, and driving styles can all influence how fast your tires wear down and how soon you’ll need a tire rotation. High-performance tires, for example, need to be rotated more frequently.
A good rule of thumb is to rotate tires at the same time as oil changes, so long as the intervals don't exceed 7,500 miles. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Are Tire Rotations Really That Important?
Yes! When tires wear unevenly, they need to be replaced sooner. That means paying for new tires. Uneven tire wear can also lead to poor handling, making a flat tire or complete tire failure more likely to occur. You can save more money and drive safer with routine tire rotations.
Tire rotation benefits include:
- Improved traction
- Balanced handling
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Longer tire life
- A smoother, quieter ride
Between work, school, and family, we know you have a lot to keep track of, but tire rotations are worth adding to the list. Buy tires from Tires Plus and you get free lifetime tire rotations based on the manufacturer's recommended mileage intervals. Stop by your local Tires Plus for your next tire rotation and talk to a technician about your car’s specific needs. We’re a friendly neighbor who will offer advice—not force it. At Tires Plus, you’re in the driver’s seat.
