Tires should be rotated every six months or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, whichever comes first. But why, exactly? Is tire rotation really that important? Yes, in fact, it is!
Why Tires Need to be Rotated
When tires aren't rotated, they begin to wear down unevenly. This impacts the smoothness of the car's drive and overall handling. Additionally, uneven wear and tear shortens the lifespan of the tires themselves. Because the same areas are being worn down repeatedly and disproportionately, those areas become increasingly likely to experience issues which would ultimately require replacement.
Regular tire rotation largely negates this issue of uneven wear and tear. Tires, of course, will wear with continued use; however, when this use is even and spread out, rather than limited to certain areas, the longevity of the tire is fully optimized. This optimization saves money in the long run, of course, but more importantly also promotes the safety of the driver by guarding against premature tire wearing and its associated risks.
What Happens During a Tire Rotation
- Tires are checked for holes or punctures, which could be sustained by unknowingly driving over sharp objects such as nails, thumbtacks, glass, and the like, as well as general wear and tear. The professionals assessing your tires will let you know their general condition and offer a time estimation of their remaining lifespan.
- During the tire rotation itself, tires are moved from one wheel to another: switching the left to right, the front to the back, or perhaps even diagonally.
- Tire pressure is additionally checked and may be increased or decreased as needed.
- Brakes are checked while the tires are off. Without the tires in the way, mechanics are able to see and reach the brakes easily.
- Alignment will be assessed and adjusted as necessary. Alignment refers to the angle the tires sit at; aligning them assures the car will drive straight instead of pulling to one side. If tire alignment is particularly off at the outset, your car's suspension system may be checked for misalignment.
Individuals may request a tire rotation or a tire alignment only; however, for most drivers, these services are best done at the same time.
If you need a tire rotation performed, we invite you to bring your vehicle into Advanced Auto Care Center Florida today!