As the only component that touches the road, tires may be the most important part of your car. Your braking, acceleration, handling, steering, traction, and driving comfort all begin with your wheels. Thus, knowing how often to rotate your tires is extremely important.
Signs It’s Time For A Tire Rotation
Typically, the guideline answering the question, how often to rotate your tires, is every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. However, it may be time to bring your car in for servicing if you notice any one of these signs:
- Uneven tread wear
- Vibrations when driving
- Handling issues
- It’s past the recommended time interval
Unfortunately, a significant percentage of car owners ignore their tires. However, a failure to rotate your tires on schedule may have serious safety and economic effects:
- Shortened lifespan
- Less comfortable driving experience due to vibration and noise
- Increased risk of hydroplaning and blowout
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Poor vehicle handling
Certain Conditions Can Affect How Often To Rotate Your Tires
Although friction is the force that allows cars to accelerate, brake, and turn corners, it also helps wear down tires. Furthermore, friction generates heat, which softens rubber. Typically, tire temperature can rise to 50 degrees F higher than the outside air after 30 minutes of highway driving. As rubber softens from heat, it becomes more pliable and wears away more easily.
In an ideal situation, all your tires would wear evenly. However, certain conditions can affect your tire rotation schedule:
- Road Conditions
Unfortunately, 43% of American roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Driving over rough roads increases friction and tire wear. Additionally, uneven surfaces and potholes can cause your wheels to move out of alignment.
- Powertrain Type
Automakers manufacture cars with 3 different drivetrain types:
- Rear wheel drive (RWD)
- Front wheel drive (FWD)
- All wheel drive (AWD)
The difference between drivetrains is where the engine delivers its power. Most car manufacturers install FWD drivetrains in their vehicles. Automobiles with FWD put additional pressure on the front tires during the transfer of power. This added pressure also increases friction and tire wear.
- Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving, like sudden acceleration, hard braking, or sharp turns at high speeds, leads to increased friction and tire deterioration.
- Failing To Perform Other Tire Maintenance
In addition to rotation, tires also need balancing and alignment. Tire balancing is necessary when the weight distribution becomes uneven, causing the tire to wobble. While unbalanced tires won’t necessarily cause uneven wear, they can move wheels out of alignment.
Properly aligned tires are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road. Any deviation from this position can cause uneven tire wear. In addition to unbalanced tires, other events can cause misalignment:
- Driving over potholes
- Rough roadways
- Aggressive driving habits
- Road debris
- Hitting curbs
- Taking speed bumps too fast
Other Important Maintenance Tasks To Do At 5,000 Miles
Of course, tires are only one part of your vehicle that requires maintenance. To keep your car running efficiently and safely, you need to perform many other maintenance tasks. Thus, when you bring your vehicle in for a tire rotation, you may want to have some other servicing done:
- Oil change
- Brake inspection
- Fluid check
- Examine air filters
- Inspection of belts and hoses
As specialists, you may think a tire shop can provide expertise and the best service. Yet, trusting all your automotive needs to a full-service shop means you have everything you need under one roof. Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville is a reliable auto shop that has been serving the area for over 25 years.
Our ASE-certified mechanics can service or repair domestic or foreign, gas or diesel trucks, vans, SUVs, or cars. Plus, we also have a modern car wash facility on-site to keep your vehicle sparkling clean.
FAQS About Tire Maintenance
Want to know more about how to extend the life of your tires? Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about tire servicing.
What Will A Tire Rotation Cost?
Generally, a tire rotation costs about $60 and takes about 15 minutes. Of course, any additional services will increase the cost and time commitment.
How Do I Check Tread Wear?
Reduced tread depth has a significant impact on stopping and handling performance. Hence, replacing your tires when the tread depth reaches 4/32 of an inch is critical for safe driving.
Although some people recommend using a penny, this test reveals tread depth down to 2/32 of an inch. A more accurate test is to use a quarter.
Simply insert a quarter into the tire groove with Washington’s head upside down. When the top of his head is visible, you need to replace your tires.
Another way to check is the indicator bars. Many tire manufacturers mold these bars into tires to help you check tread depth. When the bars are flush with the treads, you have reached the hazard level, 2/32 of an inch.
When Should I Have Tire Balancing and Alignment Done?
The general guideline for balancing tires is every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, and alignment every 6,000 miles. Of course, if you’re experiencing any tire-related problems, you’ll need to visit your car care specialist right away.
Where’s The Best Place To Get My Tires Rotated?
Instead of googling, how often to rotate your tires, bring your vehicle into Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Use our online form or call us today at 336-904-6319 to make an appointment for your tire rotation. We’ll take good care of your car and you, too.
