It’s very common for people to forget to keep their tires rotated. Possibly the most overlooked aspect of car maintenance, tire rotation is a simple way to extend the life of your tires. Keeping your tires rotated also ensures more even tread wear. Unevenly worn tires can make driving more difficult and unsafe. So don’t wait until you have a problem rotating your tires — by then, it’s too late. Let’s talk more about what tire rotation is and why you should stay on top of it.
Tire Rotation 101
Quite simply, tire rotation involves changing the position of the tires. The front tires may move to the back, and the tires on the left may switch places with the tires on the right. Did you know that many owner’s manuals will give you a specific rotation pattern to follow for your make and model? It will also tell you how often to rotate the tires. For most cars, you should rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
Why Should You Rotate Your Tires?
Keeping your tires rotated makes your drive safer and quieter. Uneven tire tread can make your ride noisy. Additionally, if you have a front-wheel-drive car and do not rotate your tires, the front tire treads will wear out much faster. Also, you’ll have trouble stopping in wet conditions. Rotating your tires means the treads wear evenly, and your tires will last a lot longer. You’ll replace them less often. And depending on your car, your tires can cost well over $100 for each tire. With car ownership costs higher than ever, you don’t want to be changing tires prematurely.
You Can Do it Yourself
You can rotate your tires at home if you have these tools at home:
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Torque wrench
- Hand tools
You’ll need to carefully look at each tire to see if there is any damage or wear. You can check your owner’s manual for the rotation pattern. The age of the tire is also a factor. Even if the tread is still intact, an expired tire can be unsafe. When you rotate the tires, you’ll also want to check and inflate them to the correct pressure.
Or Seek Out a Trusted Mechanic
But you don’t have to rotate them yourself. Many people prefer to take their car to a repair shop because the mechanic can rotate the tires quickly and inexpensively. Also, if you have a make or model with tire pressure sensors, make sure your mechanic resets the sensors after rotating the tires. Having a mechanic rotate your tires is definitely time-saving, and you won’t have to wrestle with the lug nuts either.
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Your Partner for Service
It’s vital to have mechanics and a service department you can trust. At Rusty Wallace Kia Alcoa, you can bring your car to us for any issue, big or small. We’ll help you stay on top of important maintenance, so you’ll get the most out of your car. Our priority is your safety out on the road. Come see us today for the best service deals.
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