How to Rotate Tires at Home

Getting routine tire rotations is an essential step to keep your car in good condition. If you’d rather complete this task at home rather than coming into our service center near Oshkosh, we can walk you through the process of how to do a tire rotation. In just a few easy steps, you’ll know how to rotate tires at home correctly.

If you’d rather forego at-home maintenance, our service specials help you save on professional routine maintenance. We’re here to help you get the job done right, whether you decide to learn how to rotate tires at home or take advantage of our expertise in Fond du Lac. Learn more about how to do a tire rotation below.

Why is Tire Rotation Necessary?

Why is it important to learn how to do a tire rotation? Tire rotations are essential to maintaining your car’s health and prolonging your tires’ lifespan. The outer part of your front tires wears out faster than the rest due to constant turning. If you leave them to wear out without rotating them, they’ll wear out faster and unevenly. Tire rotations ensure they wear out at the same pace. Tires that are rotated frequently will last longer, saving you money in the long run.

How Often to Rotate Your Tires

How often do you news to rotate tires? The timeframe for tire rotations depends on your drivetrain. Front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles need a tire rotation (depending on driving habits and road conditions) every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

AWD vehicles’ tires wear out quicker because the engine sends power to all four wheels instead of only two. Sheboygan drivers with an AWD SUV should have their tires rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. 

Check your owner’s manual for a recommended tire rotation schedule for your make and model.

How to Rotate Tires at Home: Tire Position

• Front-wheel-drive tires: Switch the front tires to the back. When moving the rear tires to the front, switch the side that they’re on (right side back tire to the front left side).
• Rear-wheel-drive Tires: The opposite is true when rotating tires on an RWD car. The rear tires can be moved to the front in the same left/right position, however, when you move the front wheels to the back, you need to switch their positions.

How to Do a Tire Rotation: Step-By-Step Guide

If you want to attempt rotating your own tires, you will need a car jack, lug nut wrench, and a set of car jacks. Once you have acquired the necessary tools, follow these five easy steps:

1. Engage the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on each wheel, but do not remove them altogether. This step helps make the process of removing your tires easier when they’re lifted.
3. Lift one tire with your car jack and prop the jack stand beneath it.
4. Remove tires one at a time.
5. Fill up your tires until they’re at optimal tire pressure. Once that step is completed, rotate them per the instructions above. Replace your tires on the wheel mount and screw the lug nuts as tight as possible. Take this time to make sure your tires are filled to the optimal tire pressure.
6. Lower your car from the jack stands and finish screwing the lug nuts with a wrench. Work the lug nuts diagonally, which ensures they’re tightened enough.

Schedule a Routine Maintenance Today at Holiday Automotive

If you want to skip the hassle of learning how to rotate tires at home, schedule a service appointment today at our service center near West Bend. Our service team can have your car serviced and ready to go in no time. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any service-related questions. 

Learn more about servicing your car at home by exploring our maintenance guides, such as cleaning leather car seats and checking car oil.