How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

When was the last time you visited your local mechanic for a tire rotation? Tire rotation is an important maintenance service that makes your tires less prone to uneven wear and blowouts, so it’s definitely one of the tire services you’ll want to stay on top of.

When To Rotate Your Tires

The answer to how often you have to rotate your tires will depend on several factors, such as your driving habits and your vehicle’s year, make, and model. One of the biggest factors you’ll also have to consider is the type of vehicle you drive.

FWD and RWD Vehicles

When it comes to front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles, you’ll want to go in for a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

Because the engine sends power to a specific set of tires, tires on these vehicles tend to wear out faster than other tires. For example, the front tires of FWD vehicles typically wear out faster than the rear tires, and a tire rotation can help balance this out.

AWD Vehicles

All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles are a little more high maintenance and need a tire rotation every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, the tires on AWD vehicles wear at different speeds, so it’s best to check what your owner’s manual says just to be sure.

Signs It’s Time for a Tire Rotation

Of course, you don’t have to wait until you reach a certain number of miles before rotating your tires. It’s actually a good idea to get a tire rotation as soon as you notice any issues with your tires, such as the following:

Bald Tires

How are your tires faring? Are any of them sporting any bald spots? If you can’t see the tread patterns anymore, then you don’t just need a tire rotation. You need to replace your tires too.

Unusual Vibrations

One of the telltale signs that your vehicle needs a tire rotation is your vehicle vibrating as you drive. This unusual vibration is typically caused by uneven tire wear, which can mean your vehicle is long overdue for a tire rotation.

Vehicle Pulling to One Side

Is your vehicle constantly pulling to one side even though you’re trying to drive in a straight line? This usually happens because of uneven tire wear, but it can also be a sign that you need a wheel alignment.

During a wheel alignment, mechanics are also likely to perform a tire rotation as a preventive measure against uneven tire wear.

Low Tire Pressure

If one of your tires keeps losing air, then there’s a big chance your vehicle needs a tire rotation. You might be able to resolve this with a simple air pump, but if the problem persists, this typically means there’s a weak spot caused by tread damage or excessive wear.

Low tire pressure can trigger the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on your dashboard. This should help you know when it’s time to bring in your vehicle for a rotation and other maintenance checks.

Poor Fuel Efficiency

Did you know forgetting to rotate your tires can reduce your fuel economy by up to 3%? This number might seem small now, but it can certainly increase the longer you delay your tire rotation. Without proper tire rotation, your vehicle will have to compensate in other ways that cost more fuel.

Is Tire Rotation Necessary?

Do you want your tires to last as long as possible? If the answer is yes, then tire rotation is a necessary service for your vehicle.

Tire rotation prevents uneven tire wear, which can cause your tires to go bald or worse. Plus, taking your vehicle in for a tire rotation is a great opportunity for your mechanic to inspect your tires thoroughly.

What Happens if You Don’t Rotate Your Tires?

Your tires will go bald, obviously, but that’s not the only thing that happens when you skip a maintenance cycle. Here are some other negative effects of putting off a much-needed tire rotation:

Hydroplaning

Did you know the treads on your tires actually serve a purpose? They aren’t just there to make your tires look unique. Whenever you drive through a puddle, the grooves on your tires help channel away water. They shoot water away from your tires while making sure that your tires stay in contact with the road.

Tires worn out from a lack of tire rotation will only glide on slippery roads, making it hard to control your vehicle.

Poor Traction

If you often drive on snowy roads, then you’ll know just how important it is for your tires to have extra-deep treads. Forgoing a tire rotation and allowing your tires to go bald can make it hard to drive safely in these conditions.

Excessive Heat

The great thing about tire treads is that they don’t just keep water out. They draw air in to create a cooling effect for your tires too.

As your tires spin, they’re constantly in contact with the road, creating friction that can cause your tires to overheat if their treads are worn out.

Blowouts

Worn-out tires are a lot more prone to blowouts, which can put you and your passengers at risk of getting into an accident. For your own safety, you’ll want to get a tire rotation as soon as you notice your tires going bald.