Why & When Tires Need to be Rotated

by | Nov 11, 2013 | Preventative Maintenance

What is tire rotation?

For any novices out there, tire rotation is the process of moving tires from one location on your car to another.  This includes moving them from one side to another as well as from front to back.

Why are tires rotated?
How well your tires grip the pavement is critical in ensuring optimal as well as safe performance for your car.  If your tires are wearing unevenly, as most tires do, then they won’t be able to grip the road properly.  By rotating the tires, they can wear more evenly, allowing you to get more mileage out of your tires.

Why do tires wear unevenly?
Think about it.  When you turn a corner your car leans in a bit.  This translates to the front tires wearing a bit more on the edges than the rear tires, which tend to wear more flatly.  Some other factors can also affect tire wear. The condition of your car’s suspension, bad alignment, unbalanced tires, whether you have front wheel drive and even your driving style can impact how your tires wear.

How often should tires be rotated?
Typically, auto manufacturers recommend a tire rotation at least every 7,500 miles or every six months, and it’s typically performed as part of your regular maintenance service.  When your tires are rotated, your auto technician will also:

  • check for uneven wear
  • replace the tires where they will have the most even wear
  • check the brakes while the tires are off
  • check/reset the tire pressure or monitoring system as needed

What tire rotation is not.

Happy Rotating!

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About the Author

About Brian England

Brian England, the current president of BA Auto Care (formerly British American Auto Care), got his start with an auto apprenticeship in a small town in northwest of London. He came to the U.S. in 1972 to work for a Land Rover dealer in Rockville, MD. A few years later, he started British American Auto Care with his wife, Jennifer. Brian is a big believe in preventative maintenance, and his philosophy is to encourage and educate drivers on the benefits of a regular maintenance plan.