How Often Do You Rotate Your Tires?

Tire rotations…. They’re not the most glamorous maintenance item, but they’re one of the most essential. So, how often do you rotate your tires? You should have the tires rotated every 6 months or 6,000 miles.

At Cloninger Ford, we want help drivers across Salisbury and Kannapolis delve into the specifics when it comes to tire rotations. Read on and learn all about how (and why) it’s important to keep your tires at the top of their game for the roads of Lexington and Mooresville!

When Should I Rotate My Tires?

At your bi-annual service visits, there are a few items you’ll always want to do: (1) Have your oil changed, (2) have your brakes inspected, and (3) have your tires rotated. This makes it easy to fit tire rotations into your schedule: You can have them performed when you’re heading in for other essential service items.

Of course, the 6-month/6,000-mile rule of thumb is only a general guideline. You should always check the maintenance schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual to learn the precise intervals for your car model. Every car is different, and you’ll see the best results by following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

How Drivetrains Affect Tire Wear

Yes, drivetrains affect the rate (and pattern) at which your tires wear out. Do you drive a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle? You’ll find that your front tires wear down much quicker than the rear ones, as they take on both steering and power-delivery responsibilities.

In rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars, tire wear is a bit more balanced. The reason for this is simple: The tires up front do the steering, while the rear ones deliver power to the pavement. You’ll still want to rotate RWD tires, however.

If you drive an all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, it’s especially important to stay on top of tire rotations. Unevenly worn tires can put a strain on the drivetrain, and routine tire rotations can help you avoid unnecessary damage.  

Why Are Tire Rotations Important?

As with most service items, the benefits of tire rotations are three-fold: They’ll boost (1) your safety and the safety of others on the road, (2) the performance of your vehicle, and (3) the value you get out of the tires.

Have your tires rotated regularly, and those tires will last longer on the roads of Kannapolis and Lexington before you need to replace them. Because of that fact, you can avoid safety issues resulting from the loss of tread. Plus, you’ll enjoy better handling during your drive. There are literally no downsides!

Schedule Your Tire Rotation with Us!

So, how often do you rotate your tires? The answer to that question is often complex, but we hope we’ve given you the resources to find the best tire rotation interval for you.

When it’s time to have your tires rotated, make an appointment at the Cloninger Ford Service Center. We can have your rotation service performed in no time, so you can get back to the roads of Mooresville and Salisbury!