Is a Tire Rotation Really That Important?
Your tires are the base for how you control your vehicle. They are attached to the wheels which attach to the suspension system, the brake system, and the steering system. All three of these systems play an important role in controlling the vehicle and providing a smooth ride wherever you go. Like all other components in your vehicle, tires wear down over time. When the tread wears down, it affects the way the tires grip the road, which can affect the smoothness of your ride. It creates patterns of wear on your tires that can make you replace your tires more often or be more susceptible to flat tires. This is why regular tire rotation is important – to prevent other issues.
Your tires are your first line of defense when it comes to driving. They grip the road and you’re your vehicle moving, but they also create friction when you need to stop. If they are worn out, it could lead to some severe problems and unsafe situations. Failure to rotate your tires means that your tires are wearing in the same spots. When you rotate your tires, you’re spreading the tire wear out evenly between your tires. Your tires wear more slowly and evenly, which allows them to maintain their ability to keep traction on the roads.
When you rotate your tires, you make it more likely that you can replace them in a complete set of four, as opposed to one tire at a time. Depending on whether your vehicle is front wheel drive or rear wheel drive, either your front or rear tires wear out faster than the opposing tires. Another bonus when you extend the life of your tires is that you also allow for the evolution of tire technology, so you can take advantage of the latest advancement in tires.
How Often Should I Rotate My Tires?
Best practice for tire rotation dictates that your owner’s manual provides the best information from your automotive manufacturer for their recommendations on a tire rotation schedule. If those recommendations are not available, most manufacturers will recommend a tire rotation about every 3,000-6,000 miles, but a rule of thumb that is easier to follow is rotate your tires every time you have your oil changed as part of your regular preventative maintenance practices.
