How often do I need to get my tires rotated?

Tires are a critical part of your car’s safety and performance. Rotating your tires simply repositions them in specific patterns to prevent wear and, in some cases, it may even be required under your tire’s warranty agreement. In this article, we’ll talk about why it’s worth the cost.

What does a tire rotation do?

Tire rotation changes the position of each tire on your vehicle. Rotating your tires on a regular schedule can help spread wear and tear more evenly, helping to maximize the tread life and prevent weak spots from forming– defects that could eventually cause a nasty blow out.

It also ensures the tread depth on your tires remains uniform which keeps traction and handling consistent across all four tires. That uniformity is what smooths your cornering and improves your braking performance– and keeps your vehicle safer for driving overall.

How often should I get one?

Your vehicle manufacturer and your tire manufacturer will have specific recommendations on how often a rotation should be performed. Typically, this service is needed every 5,000 miles but it may vary depending on your make, model, and tire type. A good rule of thumb, especially if you’re not great at tracking your mileage between services, is that your tires should be rotated when you get your oil changed. It’s especially important to rotate new tires after driving 5,000 miles because deep, fresh tire tread is more susceptible to uneven wear.

Rotating your tires also gives your mechanic a good opportunity to inspect each one for damage, check their air pressure and tread depth, and have them rebalanced if you’re noticing any vibration.

What pattern should I use?

The rotation pattern that’s best for your vehicle is depended on a lot of factors, like:

• What type of tire are you using?
• Is your vehicle is front, rear, all, or four-wheel drive?
• Are your tires whether your tires are directional?
• Are the front and rear tires the same size?
• Do you have a full-size spare in the rotation?

Your mechanic will know the answer to all of these questions, so you won’t have to worry about the pattern too much. If you’re curious about how it works, you can reference  The Tire and Rim Association, to see all of these possibilities. You can also check in with your mechanic after the service to get the details on how they moved yours around.

At V&F 

At V&F, we strive to provide our customers with a well-rounded knowledge of all things automotive. Since 1988, our family-owned and operated service center has been providing top-quality auto repair services to Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick, West Springfield and the surrounding Massachusetts communities. If your car needs maintenance or repair, call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.