When’s the Best Time for a Tire Rotation?
August 14, 2016
If you’ve recently purchased a new set of tires, there’s no doubt you’ll want to ensure they have a long life on the road. There are many ways to do this, but probably the easiest is to schedule regular tire rotations on your vehicle. Tire rotations can not only prolong the life of your tires, they can also deliver a smoother, safer driving experience. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about tire rotations.
What is a Tire Rotation?
When you get a tire rotation, your tires are moved from their current position to another. The purpose of a tire rotation is to ensure your tires wear evenly. This is important because tires wear differently based on where they are situated on your vehicle. For example, it’s not uncommon for front tires to carry over 60% of your vehicle’s weight and, subsequently, wear down more quickly than your rear tires. Furthermore, tires on the passenger side of the vehicle wear differently than tires on the driver’s side because right turns are typically taken faster than left turns.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Tire Rotations?
The primary benefit of regular tire rotations is evenly distributed wear. This means your vehicle will have a smooth ride, as well as more balanced traction and handling. It also ensures your vehicle will continue to perform at its best in less than optimal road conditions.
Another great benefit of tire rotations is that they can also save you money by prolonging the life of your tires. A new set of tires can be expensive, so maximizing the life of your current set can save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars over time.
So When is the Right Time for a Tire Rotation?
The simple answer is that it depends! Typically, we recommend having your tires rotated every 10,000km. That said, if you use your vehicle for heavy duty work or frequently go off roading, you may want to rotate your tires as frequently as every 5,000km. You’ll also find that different vehicles may recommend different times to have a tire rotation. This can be because of the size of the vehicle, as well as its purpose. For example, a vehicle designed to carry a heavy load may need its tires rotated more frequently than a smaller vehicle that’s only used for short trips. To be sure, we always suggest consulting your owner’s manual for the most accurate information.
A Tire Rotation is one Piece of the Routine Maintenance Puzzle
Tire rotations are crucial for maintaining the quality of your driving experience, but there’s much more to do if you want to ensure your vehicle is in the best shape possible when you’re on the road. To learn more about how you can do your part to ensure a long life on the road for your vehicle, be sure to download our free Beginner’s Guide to Tires & Maintenance. Inside, you’ll find an assortment of tips and tricks to keep your vehicle in prime condition. Download your copy today!
