We know that tire rotations can feel like just another chore to add to your to-do list. You might even be thinking “How often do I really need to rotate my tires?” But tire rotations serve an important role in your road safety. And even though tire rotations might sound tedious, we’re here to help make things simple and easy for you!
Keep reading to find answers to any of these questions:
- What is a Tire Rotation? - How Do You Know if Your Tires Need to Be Rotated and Balanced? - How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires? - How Long Does a Tire Rotation Take? - What Happens if I Don’t Rotate My Tires Regularly? - Where Can I Find Tire Rotation Services?
Tire rotation is when you move all four of your tire and wheel assemblies from one position to another in order to combat uneven tread wear. Because the more even your tire tread is, the better balanced your tires will be, and the longer they will last. Tire rotations are intended to protect the investment of your tires and their warranties while also keeping you safe on the road.
The best way to know if your tires need to be rotated or balanced is to consult your tire technician, especially if you are struggling to remember when you last had your tires serviced. However, there are a few red flags your car might waving to get your attention:
Take a close look at the tread on your tires and check for any worn or balding spots. Uneven wear is a good indicator that your tires need to be rotated, if not replaced.
If you notice any vibrations when you get on the highway, check your tire tread for signs of wear. However, vibrations aren’t always caused by uneven tire tread. If you are experiencing vibrations of any kind, make sure to have your tires looked at by a professional.
Your vehicle should be driving straight when you release the steering wheel. If that isn’t the case, the pulling could be caused by uneven tire wear or misaligned tires.
If one of your tires isn’t working as efficiently as the others, the rest of your vehicle has to pick up the slack, resulting in poor fuel efficiency. Choosing not to rotate your tires could reduce your fuel economy by as much as 3%.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to bring your vehicle in for a checkup. Our team of experts would be more than happy to take a look and advise you on the best course of action.
Regular tire rotations are important in helping you spot uneven tire wear early. Going too long between rotations can result in an unfixable wear pattern, causing you to waste money on premature tire replacements.
So, how often should you rotate your tires? That answer depends on whether your vehicle is a front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD).
It’s wise to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for both FWD and RWD vehicles. The exact number will vary depending on the model. You can check your owner’s manual for a more precise number. But if you’re still not sure, stop by your closest Wonderland Tire.
The different tires on an all-wheel-drive vehicle often experience more uneven wear. This means that you’ll need to rotate them more frequently – about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. For a more exact number, refer to your manual or ask your tire technician.
NOTE: Off-roading can put extra wear on your tires, leading to the need for more frequent tire rotations.
Skipping a tire rotation, especially if your tires already have 50,000 miles or more on them, can lead to several major issues:
- Flat tires - Increased fuel consumption - Tire blowouts due to friction - Higher chance of punctures - Poor braking - Skidding and hydroplaning - No traction in snow and on ice - Wheel damage - Suspension damage - Brake pad deterioration
Regular tire rotations support even tread wear, which leads to improved handling, reduced noise and vibration, extended tire life, and a protected tire warranty. These things not only save you from needing new tires sooner but also provide a better driving experience!
- Keep an eye on your odometer! Get your vehicle in for a rotation every 5,000 miles - Add a rotation reminder on your calendar - When you change your oil, check your mileage for a possible tire rotation
Getting your tires rotated every 5,000 miles is a relatively quick process. The professionals at Wonderland Tire perform a thorough tire rotation while also balancing your tires, checking your air pressure, and doing a visual check of important safety systems. Once your vehicle is in our service bays, you can expect the service to be executed in about half an hour.
Making tire rotations part of your regular maintenance routine adds additional life to your tires, promotes even tire wear for a more comfortable ride, and means you’ll be buying new tires less often.
At Wonderland Tire, we care about your safety. We've been serving the transportation needs of families since 1945, ensuring our customers receive the best in tires and mechanical services.
Rotating your tires every 5,000 miles may seem like a chore, but we can help make it fast and easy for you. We promise to take good care of you and your car! Find us at one of our many Michigan locations or in Calumet City, IL and Rensselaer, IN.
Find your nearest Wonderland Tire to set up an appointment today!
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