Complete Guide to Tire Rotation

It is extremely important both for tire safety and for your finances to keep your tires in tip-top shape. This means avoiding big holes in the road, monitoring tire pressure, and getting your tires rotated periodically over their lifespan.

When should you rotate your tires?

The last time I purchased tires, the warranty required tire rotation every 5,000 miles or less. This varies from one manufacturer to the next, and I've bought tires where they recommended rotating every 3,000 miles. It just depends.

If you've gone more than 10,000 or 12,000 miles without a tire rotation, however, you could be causing unnecessary damage and shortening the lifespan of your tires. When in doubt, ask your mechanic or the shop where you purchased them.

Why is tire rotation important?

If you look at your tires after a few months of driving, you'll notice wear patterns on each. You'll see that the tread may be beginning to erode, flattening out the surface of the rubber. This is why we rotate tires-to even out the wear so no particular tire hits the end of its lifespan before the others.

Although you will still need to have your tires balanced periodically, tire rotation can help keep them balanced between appointments with your mechanic. You'll probably enjoy a smoother ride in your car, and your tires will be less likely to blow out while you're on the road.

How are tires rotated?

Because front tires wear out more quickly than rear tires, they are always rotated front to back. In other words, it isn't a true rotation. There is no need to rotate tires left-to-right because the wear patterns tend to be more similar in that direction.

When you get your tires rotated, your mechanic will remove all four tires and exchange the front pair with the rear pair. If you've requested it, he will also balance the tires before sending you on your way.

Can you rotate your tires yourself?

This is not a complicated procedure, so it is entirely possible for a consumer to rotate his or her own tires. However, unless you have a floor jack and a level place to work, it's better to let your mechanic handle it.

Additionally, it is always a good idea to work on your car with someone else in the general vicinity. That way, if your jack fails or something else goes wrong, you've got someone to help you out of the situation.

How much does it cost?

The price for tire rotation at a mechanic depends on where you live and where you bought the tires. Some stores and shops will throw in lifetime rotation if you purchase a warranty. Others might have maintenance packages you can buy to save money. Always ask about this before buying a new set of tires.

Source:

Edmunds.com, Rotate Your Tires