Of all the maintenance requirements of vehicles on the road today, tire rotation is an often overlooked but very important factor for extending the life of your tires and ensuring a safe driving experience. Tire rotation is one of the few maintenance tasks that can be tackled by pretty much anyone – if you can change a flat tire, you can perform your own tire rotation. Many automotive service shops will rotate your tires for free along with the purchase of other services.
Front and Rear Tires Wear at Different Rates
The front tires of almost every vehicle are punished far more than the rear, when braking, turning, parking, the front tires are worn down with every turn of the steering wheel, especially in FWD vehicles where the front tires provide the primary accelerative power. Front tires simply deteriorate faster than rear tires do, and because of this it is necessary rotate the tires. The front tires are normally brought to the rear, and the rear tires to the front. Since the rear tires wear slower, moving them to the front will equalize tread wear and extend the life of all tires.
Tire rotation does not mean criss-crossing tires (e.g. Left rear tire to right front) or exchanging tires on the same axle (Right front tire to left front). Over time, tires develop unique wear patterns, and these patterns are normally a result of the effects from the suspension system and tire alignment. Generally, it is best to keep tires on the same side of the vehicle when rotating.
There is some debate about how often you should rotate your tires, as different driving styles can greatly impact the rate at which your tires’ tread wears down. You can check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific details, but on average most manufacturers encourage tire rotation around every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
Rotating is something you can do yourself, however it can be handy to have a service shop perform this for you, as they often offer it free when bundled with other recommended services such as alignment or brake work. Remember, as with oil changes, regular tire rotation is essential for extending tread life on your tires and maximizing your driving safety.
Come visit us at Havoline xpress lube in Kernersville, NC for our friendly and prompt service.
