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Tire rotation seems to be one of the most basic car maintenance items, but it is often overlooked. Customers may not understand when to rotate their tires or the benefits of regular tire rotation.  We want our customers to know that regular tire rotation is an easy way to extend the life of your tires, improve the gas mileage and performance of your vehicle and the increase the overall safety of your car. 

When to Rotate Your Tires

Most car owners know that you should have your vehicle’s oil changed every three months, 3,000 miles or whatever schedule your car’s owner’s manual recommends.  But many car owners are not sure of how often they need to have their car’s tires rotated or why. 

There is some debate about how often your car tires need to be rotated.  An article on Edmunds.com suggested the following tire rotation guidelines:  “How often should you rotate your tires? That depends. Refer to your owner's manual for exact guidelines, but most manufacturers recommend rotating tires roughly every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Again, see your owner's manual for specifics.”

That guideline is a general guideline for most vehicles.  There are other factors you’ll want to consider when it comes to tire rotation. If you have a driving style that would wear your tires’ tread down faster or if you travel roads that are rougher on your tires, you may wish to revise your tire rotation schedule.  Our customers can talk to one of our technicians to discuss the best tire rotation schedule for their vehicle based on their car, their driving style and their driving environment. 

Why Rotate Your Tires?

There are three benefits of getting your tires rotated: extending the life of your tires, better gas mileage and increased vehicle safety.

Benefit 1: Longer Tire Life

Every turn you make and every time you brake, your tires wear down.  The tires on the front of your vehicle wear down faster than your back tires.  When you get your tires rotated, your tires will wear more evenly, which extends the life of your tires.  

Benefit 2: Better Gas Mileage

FuelEconomy.gov reported that keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by up to 3 percent or up to $.11 a gallon.  Underinflated tires lead to lag and decreased gas mileage.  Tires that are not rotated regularly will increase in lag or resistance with the road.  When your tires are rotated regularly, your car will steer and handle better because there is less resistance between your tires and the road.  Less resistance means less friction, which leads to improved gas mileage.

Benefit 3: Increased Safety

When your tires wear evenly, they will grip the road and provide a measure of increased performance safety.  Regularly rotated tires give you tires you can rely on to perform under high stress situations such as sudden braking, quick accelerations or turns on tight corners. 

We want to help our customers drive as safely as possible and save money too.  The next time you visit us for an oil change or any other auto repair or tire service, ask about our tire rotation services as well.