Mar 11, 2021

Is it Necessary to Rotate my Tires?

When it comes to thinking about tire caring practices, there are plenty of things that you need to take into consideration. As tires are the most important aspect of a vehicle, you need to keep them functioning. Apart from gas checking, changing and gauging the tread depth, you need to focus on the tire rotation. Yes, it is an important part of maintaining your tires’ function and keeping it aligned with the vehicle. 

What Is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation is the practice of moving the wheels and tires of a vehicle from one position to another, to ensure even tire wear; depending on if you have All-rear-drive (AWD), Front-wheel drive (FWD), or Rear-wheel-drive (RWD). Even tire wear extends the useful life of a set of tires, but the value of this is disputed.

Why do you Need to Rotate your Tires Regularly?

As unimportant as it may sound, you need to rotate your tires regularly. It is like the function that manufacturers adopt to maintain the warranty of the tire. It keeps the quality of your tires consistent and helps you balance the handling. While rotating the tires, it is important to understand that both front and rear tires act differently on the road, so you need to address them differently every time. It is quite evident that replacing the entire set of tires is much easier than replacing the one with wear. So, if you want to keep your tires’ life long, prioritize the need for tire rotation. 

Signs that Indicate the Need for Tire Rotation

Always take note of the signs that your tires show regarding its wear. Some early symptoms state its high time you get a tire rotation. Here are a few things to monitor.

  • If you start feeling the steering wheel’s vibration, you must instantly check the tires and ensure that they are inflated to the right level. 
  • Next, you would need to check the tread; the uneven tread can lead to vibration and weaken your tire. 
  • Check the tread on different tire spots and check for the feathering or any sort of inconsistencies. Make sure the tires are evenly thick from all sides. 

It is a general rule of thumb that you must rotate the tires every 3000-8000 miles. The best way to remind yourself is to rotate your tires whenever you go for an oil change. 

What is the Best Way to Rotate Tires?

There are different patterns for tire rotation, and each has a different impact on the tires. You need to decide the ideal pattern according to your vehicle’s model and tire condition-:

Front-Wheel Drive

  • X-Pattern
  • Forward Cross
  • Front to Rear

Rear Wheel Drive

  • Rearward Cross

Different Sized Tires Per Axle

  • Side to Side

Make sure to consult your mechanic, who can best advise you on the right pattern for rotation. You can also check your owner’s manual to find out which tire rotation pattern is ideal for your vehicle type.