Rotate Your Tires
AUTO CAR

How to Rotate Your Tires?

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Tires are an integral part of your vehicle. Their upkeep and maintenance can ensure that your car runs smoothly and can cover varied types of terrains without any wear and tear. Tire performance is also directly linked to road safety and should therefore never be overlooked. The primary way to ensure good tire performance is to buy the correct set of tires for your vehicle and terrain.

Another way to ensure tire maintenance is by rotating them periodically. Tire rotation refers to rotating the position of your car’s tires. Usually, mechanics swap the front and rear tires. This is doneat an average of every 5000 miles. However, the right time can differ for each car depending on its type and use. Hence, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s advice on when and how to rotate your tires.

Read on to know everything about rotating your car’s tires.

Why is tire rotation important?

Tire rotation is essential for a number of reasons. Rotating your tires as and when required extends the life of the tires. Generally, the front tires tend to wear out a lot sooner than the rear tires. This is because the front tires take more torque and friction while you drive. But when you rotate the tires and swap them, the wear and tear get evenly distributed across all four tires.

Regular tire rotation can also reduce vibrations while driving. Uneven tire wear and tear can cause vibrations. If you notice this while driving, you should inspect your tires. If you see any damage, you should rotate them as soon as possible. If you cannot do it yourself, look for “rotate tires near me” on your phone’s map and get it done from the mechanic. The cost to rotate tires is never too much.

Moreover, if your car has an all-wheel drive, the stress on the drivetrain is considerably reduced if all the tires are evenly worn out. This further ensures that your car runs smoothly and other parts of the car do not suffer from damage. Tire rotation ensures balanced handling and traction and even tread wear to expand the life of all four tires and save money.

How to Rotate Your Tires

Rotation technique you should follow based on your vehicle type

The right rotation technique depends on the type of your car. There are four ways that you can use to rotate tires as per your car’s type:

  • Front-wheel drives: If you have torotate tires for a front-wheel drive, you can take out your front tires and move them to the rear. Make sure to also switch sides. Similarly, move the rear tires to the front but do not switch sides. Put the rear tires on the same sides as before.
  • Rear-wheel drives: In the case of a rear-wheel drive, you can swap the front tires with the rear tires. However, do not switch sides and ensure that you move the tires from the front to the same side on the rear.
  • Four-wheel drives: For four-wheel drives, you can move the front tires to the rear and the rear tires to the front. Make sure to switch sides of all the tires.
  • Directional tires: In the case of directional tires, shift the front left tire to the rear left and the front right tire to the rear right. Now, remove the rear left tire and put it on the front left side and take the rear right tire,and put it on the front right side.

How regularly should you rotate your tires?

The right time to rotate the tires will depend on the model and make of your car. Generally, most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5000 to 8000 miles. To know the precise recommendation for your car, it is best to contact your manufacturer.

Typically, it is alright to rotate your tires with a seasonal change or every six odd months. For instance, if you rotate your tires in the summer, you can do so again in the winter. An average car would have covered a distance of 5000 to 8000 miles during such a time frame.

In some cases, you may have to rotate your tires more often. For example, if you often cover long distances at high speed, you end up putting extra strain on your tires. The same is true if you carry a heavy load in your vehicle. In such a case, your tires may wear out sooner, and you may have to rotate them more often.

It is also advised to regularly check your tires for uneven wear and tear. If you notice any damage sooner than your car hits 5000 miles, you should go ahead and rotate your tires immediately.

Things to keep in mind when rotating your tires yourself

Here are some things to keep in mind when rotating your tires:

  • Check the type of your car – front-drive, rear-drive, all-drive, or four-wheel drive. Follow the rotating pattern for your type of car.
  • Check the size of all four tires. The size of the front tires can sometimes differ from the size of the rear tires. In this case, you can switch sides but cannot swap the front and rear tires.
  • Car tires have a directional tread pattern with arrows. Identify these and make sure to follow them.
  • Some cars have a mini spare, while others may come with a full-sized tire that can also be rotated. Check the spare tire of your car before you rotate its tires.
  • Rotating tires can be hard and challenging, especially if you have never done it before. If you are unable to rotate tires on your own, you can use professional assistance from insurance companies, such as the CAASCO Auto Roadside Assistance Insurance. This will ensure the tires are rotated properly and also offer you a lot more convenience.

Conclusion

Tire maintenance is a critical step in ensuring the safety of the car and your loved ones traveling in it. Rotating tires is a simple way to prolong their life and improve the overall driving experience.

It will also help you save more money and decrease the chances and need for replacement. So, make sure to remember to rotate your tires after every 5000 to 8000 miles and keep an eye out for uneven wear and tear on your tires.

 

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