If you were asked to list the most important maintenance services for your car, the chances are that tire rotation would not make the top of your list. And yet, regular tire rotation by a professional tires shop mechanic is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prolong the life of your tires.

In this blog, we will explain all the ins and outs of rotating your tires, including the importance of tire rotation and how often you should have it done.

So, let’s get started!

Why is Tire Rotation Important?

You probably must be wondering now, why is tire rotation important? Aren’t they rotating all the time when I am driving?

Well, yes and no. The tires on your car do rotate, but in this case it means moving the position of each tire around the vehicle. While it may sound like a small thing, tire rotation can actually have a significant impact on the life of your tires and the performance of your car. It helps to extend the life of your tire treads, helps prevent tires from uneven wear, improves your car’s handling, and prevents you from losing control.

In addition, your tire manufacturer’s warranty may require regular tire rotation for it to remain valid.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

It is probably time to do it again unless you have had your tires rotated in the past 12,000 miles. However, it is always best to check your car’s owner’s manual or with your local car mechanic to be sure. Tire Max’s recommendation is to rotate your tires every 6000 to 8000 miles. However, if you are experiencing any type of uneven wear or performance issues with your car, it is best to have the tires checked and rotated sooner.

Stop by your local tires shop in Eden, and our trained technician will perform an air pressure check and thorough inspection of your tires to determine if it’s time for a rotation.

Is Uneven Tire wearing a sign I need a Tire Rotation?

Although your car’s tires may all look the same at first glance, they actually go through different types of wear and tear depending on their position on the vehicle. Uneven tire wear is when the tread on one or more of your tires wears down faster than the others. This can happen for several reasons, such as

  • Improper air pressure – check your tire pressure at least once a month.
  • Imbalanced wheels – an imbalance in your car’s wheels can cause one tire to bear more weight than the others and result in faster tread wear.
  • Bad alignment – if your car’s alignment is off, it can cause the tires to scrub against the road, which will lead to uneven wear.
  • Rotation interval – if you wait too long to have your tires rotated, it can cause uneven wear.
  • Suspension problems – worn-out suspension components can also cause your tires to wear unevenly.

If you notice any of these problems, get your car to a reliable tire store right away for a rotation and inquire if any other underlying issues need to be addressed or perhaps if you need to replace your old ones with the new tires for sale.

Read here to know about the warning signs your car needs new tires.

Is There a Pattern to Tire Rotation?

Rotating your tire is not like musical chairs, where you can just move them any way you want, and it will still work. Swapping the tires in the wrong pattern can do more harm than good and cause uneven wear. Consult your owner’s manual to find how often to rotate your tires and what pattern. Or the better idea is to talk to the professional Tire Max technicians to get the most accurate recommendation based on the manufacturer’s specifications for your car.

Certain tires like staggered fitment and all-wheel drive vehicles have a more complex tire rotation pattern. As a result, these cars require special attention and care, so it is always best to ask for expert advice.

What About the Spare Tire?

Your vehicle may have a donut spare tire or a full-size spare tire. If it’s a full-size spare, and your tires on the wheel are relatively new, you may consider rotating the spare into the rotation. This will help to ensure that your spare is in good condition and ready to go if you ever need it.

If you have a donut spare, it’s best to leave it and only use it in case of emergency. The reason is, donut tires are not meant for long term use and driving on them for extended periods can cause problems.

Regardless of which type of spare you have, it’s always a good idea to check the air pressure and make sure it’s properly inflated. The Donut ones require a much higher air pressure than a regular tire, so be sure to check the placard on the vehicle to find the correct PSI. And if it’s more than 6years old, it’s probably a good idea to replace it.

Let Tire Max Help

As you can see, a lot goes into properly maintaining your tires and knowing how often to rotate them. If you are ever unsure or have any questions, the team of experts at Tire Max is always here to help. We can perform a full inspection of your tires, rotate them according to the manufacturer’s specifications and even check your car’s alignment.

Our team will even double-check the torque on your lug nuts to ensure they are correctly tightened. We want to make sure you and your family are safe on the road, and that starts with having well-maintained tires.

Schedule an appointment with us today and let us help you keep your car in tip-top shape.