Tires are more than just functional — they’re also one of your car’s major safety features. One of the most important things you can do for your vehicle is rotate its tires. Tire rotation is the process of moving your tires to different wheel positions to promote even tire wear.
The most straightforward rotation pattern involves moving the rear tires to the front and the front tires to the rear. Rotating your tires is an easy and cost-effective way to increase the life and efficiency of your tires.
Manufacturers have different tire rotation frequencies. However, the recommended interval for tire rotation is about 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
If you have put off your next tire rotation, below are 5 reasons you should rotate your tires regularly.
- Extended Life for Your Tires and Suspensions
Tires wear out unevenly for several reasons, including driver habits, temperature, and driving terrain.
Tires will naturally experience varying amounts of stress wherever they are on your vehicle. Front wheels will have an increased burden in a front-wheel-drive car because of the steering and driving. Because of this, the front tires will wear out faster than others.
By rotating the front and rear tires periodically, you essentially spread out the wear and tear. Tire rotation helps you avoid pattern wear, or damage from driving long distances in one direction.
Uneven tread wears results in vibrations that damage your suspension system. Rotating your tires regularly extends the lifespan of your tires and suspensions.
- Better Fuel Efficiency
Worn-out tires cannot maintain proper contact with the road, resulting in increased friction. As such, the tires put a strain on your engine and increase your fuel consumption because your engine works extra hard to propel your vehicle.
Regular rotation reduces friction and the engine load on your vehicle, providing better traction and gas mileage.
- Better Vehicle Performance
Your tires are your point of contact with the road and contribute to how effectively your vehicle performs. When you skip tire rotation for too long, you compromise your vehicle’s safety and performance.
Neglecting tire rotation results in uneven tire wear, leading to tire misalignment and loss of balance. Unevenly worn tires don’t maintain uniform contact with the road, adversely impacting your handling. Uneven tires hamper your ability to make sudden stops and sharp turns, increasing the risk of an accident.
On the other hand, regular tire rotation translates to better braking performance and less noise and vibration. When your tires wear out evenly, you enjoy better car performance.
- Tire Warranty Maintenance
Scheduled tire rotation is an essential service vehicle manufacturers recommend. Most manufacturers require you to rotate your tires regularly to keep the contract valid for tires under warranty.
Warranty or not, tire rotation maintenance is in your best interest.
- Extra Cost Savings
Regular tire rotations save you a great deal of money down the road. As mentioned, you will enjoy saving on gas. You might not have to purchase individual tires as often and reduce costly mechanical repairs.
Spending a small fee on regular tire rotation will save you the costs of putting your vehicle in danger of repairs and potential accidents.
Rotation is an inexpensive procedure that optimizes your vehicle’s overall performance. Given all the benefits of regular tire rotation, you must remember to schedule this maintenance at the right time. Make a habit of rotating your tires every time you have an oil change.
Nevertheless, you should get a tire rotation immediately if you notice uneven tire wear, loss of tire pressure, or vibration when driving at high speed.
If you have any questions about tires, please don’t hesitate to contact Evans Tire & Service Centers.
