What is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation is an important part of your vehicle’s regular maintenance schedule. Generally, auto experts in West Bend recommend getting a tire rotation performed every time you get your oil changed or around every 5,000 miles. Of course, the way you drive — as well as your vehicle’s drivetrain type — will also affect how often you should rotate tires. Many customers wonder about the “why” rather than the “when” of rotating tires. So, what is tire rotation, and why is it important? Read on or contact us to find out more!

What Does Rotating Tires Mean?

The meaning — or, better put, significance — of tire rotation is that it helps you keep tread wear continuous between each tire and prevents premature wear on one tire or set of tires that’s getting used more heavily in a certain spot. When tires are rotated, the procedure is usually done in such a way that the front tires move rearward and vice versa. Sometimes, tires also will flip sides. The way in which tires are rotated is known as the “tire rotation pattern.”

Here are some other things to note about rotating tires:

• Most cars carry more weight at the front, so front tires will generally wear out faster than rear tires, but the type of drivetrain your vehicle has will also affect the rate at which each tire wears down. Namely, AWD tires must be rotated more often.
• In front-wheel drive vehicles, power is distributed to the front axle and wheels only to produce forward motion. In rear-wheel drive vehicles, power is only sent to the rear axle. In 4WD or AWD vehicles, however, power is sent to all four wheels. 
• Your vehicle’s drivetrain will affect the tire rotation pattern to ensure that no tire wears down too fast compared to the whole set of tires.

What Does Tire Rotation Do?

• Improves Performance: Tires working together that have uneven wear often create bad vibrations, which you’ll eventually feel while driving around Beaver Dam or Ripon.
• Maximizes Efficiency: Worn tires create drag, which can decrease fuel economy. Tires that have been regularly rotated wear more evenly and thus, have less drag.
• Maintains Traction: When tires wear down, they lose tire tread depth. Rotating tires helps preserve their tread depth longer, resulting in maintained traction optimization.
• Reduces Blowout Risk: Tires become more likely to fail as they get worn down. Rotating tires helps prevent them from wearing down, reducing the risk of blowouts.

Rely on Holiday Automotive for Tire Care Needs

Most car maintenance schedules recommend that you rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles–essentially at every scheduled service interval. Looking for more information on when to have your tires rotated near Oshkosh or Sheboygan? A Holiday Automotive service center near you can help! Schedule service now!