You need to rotate your tires once a year, or every 5,000 miles, as recommended by most car
manufacturers.
Others recommend rotating your tires with every oil change. Rotating your tires evens out the
wear on the tires and can help prolong the life of your tires. Some people will rotate their tires
more often, depending on how often they drive, but all vehicles should be rotated at least once a
year.
The actual rotation time remains uncertain as it depends on how and when you drive. Certain
road conditions, types of vehicles, and driving styles can all influence how fast your tires wear
down and how soon you’ll need to rotate them. The best way to determine the timing is to ask a
professional car repair technician as they know better.
Is rotating my car really that important?
Yes. Tire rotations are very important, because they prevent uneven wear and tear on all of your
tires.
Tire rotations help extend the life and performance of your tires. Over time, tires are exposed to
heat, cold, and other environmental factors such as UV light that can cause them to wear
unevenly. Tires with uneven wear on their tread can create an out-of-balance condition and
reduce gas mileage by 3% or more.
Can I rotate car tires myself?
Yes. You may be able to rotate your car tires yourself. Different tires need to be rotated at
different intervals, so it’s best to check with your vehicle maintenance manual or contact your
local dealership for their recommendations.
To rotate the tires on your vehicle, position the front tires on the left side of your vehicle and the
rear tires on the right side. With all-wheel or four-wheel vehicles, you can use a forward cross
pattern to change out the tires on each axle. For these vehicles, move one of the front tires to
the opposite side of its axle and replace it with a rear tire on the same axle.
Most tires have directional treads, which means that the grooves are designed to direct water
away from the tire. They must always be rotated front to rear — no matter the vehicle they are
installed on — so the direction of the rotation does not change. If they were installed incorrectly
and driven with the wrong direction of rotation, performance would be compromised because
water will pool in areas of lower-traction, increasing tire wear and decreasing fuel economy.
What is the difference between car alignment and car rotation?
Rotating your tires is a preventative measure that you should do every few months or so to
avoid premature tire wear. A wheel alignment is something you should get done when you
notice your vehicle isn’t handling the way it should or your tires are wearing unevenly.
Is car rotation more important?
Both are equally important. Tire rotations help you maximize the life of your tires by keeping
them properly aligned. Tire rotation can help reduce uneven tire wear.
Alignment is the most basic form of car maintenance, and it’s important to keep your tires in
alignment. You’ll improve gas mileage, reduce tire wear, and dramatically increase the life of
your tires.
In general, Rotating your tires will help you achieve maximum fuel efficiency and safety, as well
as extending their life. The importance of car rotation is often overlooked by drivers but can help
you save on gas and extend the life of your tires. Once your tires are replaced, it’s
recommended that they are rotated every 5,000 miles to ensure optimal performance through
an even wear pattern.
