Practicing consistent preventative maintenance on your vehicle is the single best way to prolong the lifespan of your car and minimize the likelihood of mechanical breakdowns or other problems. Aside from tasks like checking engine fluids or inspecting wear to the brakes, it’s equally important to have your tires rotated from time to time, especially if you put a lot of miles on your vehicle. So how often should you rotate your tires and how is it done? Read on to learn more about the basics of a tire rotation, including why it’s so critical and when to do it.
What is a Tire Rotation?
When a professional technician performs a tire rotation, they are essentially swapping the position of the wheels on the front and rear axles. By changing the locations and contact points of each tire, you can potentially prolong the life of your wheels for several more years while simultaneously ensuring a safer driving experience for you and your passengers. The way tire rotations are performed will vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the number of tires and whether the vehicle is a 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. When in doubt, always refer to your vehicle’s manual for tire rotation guidance.
Why a Tire Rotation is Important?
There are several practical reasons to consistently rotate your tires. First, rotating your tires will help to evenly distribute wear across all wheels, ensuring that the front or rear tires don’t deteriorate faster than the others. In addition, having your tires rotated provides a good opportunity to carefully inspect the wheels, brakes, and other components closely for any potential issues. Finally, rotating your tires will alleviate safety issues associated with inadequate tread depth which can inhibit the vehicle’s ability to rapidly come to a stop when needed. On wet or icy roads, worn down tire tread can contribute to skidding while braking or even hydroplaning.
How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s usually a good idea to rotate tires about every 5,000 miles or during your next oil change, whichever comes first. Remember, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive vehicles all require specific types of tire rotations, so if you decide to do the job yourself it’s essential to carefully review the proper procedures for your make and model.
If you need a tire rotation, oil change, or brake replacement, our team at Valley Automall is happy to help. We offer numerous service specials so you can save more cash on all your vehicle maintenance needs. You can also rely on us for competitive parts specials for any components that require professional replacement. Contact us today for expert automotive support you can trust, every time.