How to Rotate Tires

You know that routine oil changes and inspections are important, but is rotating tires really that essential? Yes! Many drivers are surprised to learn that knowing when and how to rotate tires can make a huge impact on the performance of their vehicle. The difference between a well-maintained vehicle and a neglected car is obvious, even to a passersby. Have you ever seen a car with front wheels that are blackened from years of accumulated brake dust? It’s not a pretty sight. But luckily, rotating tires is a simple service that is easily added onto your maintenance services.

How Often to Rotate Tires

First of all, you might wonder how often to rotate tires. The answer depends on your particular vehicle and driving habits. As a general rule, most technicians recommend rotating tires when you change out your oil. Typically, this means around two tire rotations per year – more often if you are a high-mileage driver. However, it’s important to check your owner’s manual for more specific recommendations.

Factors that Affect Tire Rotation

Why is tire rotation so variable? Depending on your drivetrain configuration, your vehicle may place different amounts of stress on different tires. On a front-wheel drive vehicle, for example, your front tires take the most weight and workload. All-wheel and rear-wheel drive cars have their own wear patterns. That’s why different vehicles have different tire rotation patterns.

• Front-Wheel Drive: The front tires rotate to the rear, and rear tires are swapped and moved to the front.
• Directional Tires: Tires must remain on the same side with no criss-crossing.
• Different Sized Tires: Rotate tires to the opposite side of the same axle.

Benefits of Rotating Tires

Rotating tires can help you extend the lifespan of your tires. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle and neglect tire rotation, your front wheels will wear our much more quickly than your rear wheels. Plus, they’ll get grimier from layers and layers of brake dust. Periodic rotations will lead to more even wear throughout your set, which means you get extra miles out of every tire. You can check the wear on your tires by measuring the depth of their treads.

Find Out More with Jeffrey Nissan!

Our technicians are happy to talk about how to rotate tires with our Sterling Heights and Macomb customers, so stop by our dealership in Roseville or schedule your service online. Want more information about tire care? Find out how to change a flat tire or how to protect your car from the sun!