If you’ve ever taken your car to an auto repair shop in Madison, TN for tire rotation, you probably know all about how it works and why it’s important. But for those who aren’t sure what the purpose and benefits of tire rotation are—or, conversely, what the dangers are of failing to rotate your tires are—it can be an easy thing to neglect or overlook. Here’s a rundown of why tire rotation is important, how it’s done and what it achieves:
- What is tire rotation? As the name suggests, tire rotation is the practice of moving tires around to different positions on the car to ensure even wear on each tire. Tire rotation is necessary because most cars have lopsided weights depending on where the engine is located. With most vehicles, the engine is in the front, which means more pressure gets put on the front end, and vice versa for cars that have more weight in the back end. Things like turning, lane changes and misalignment are also common culprits in causing tires to have uneven wear. Rotating your tires keeps them from wearing out at different rates due to lopsided pressure.
- What pattern is best for tire rotation? There are many different tire rotation patterns, and the best approach usually depends on your car. Most vehicles have front wheel drive, and they benefit from forward cross, which means you move your rear tires up to the front in an “X” pattern. Other patterns include rearward cross, which works best for rear wheel and four wheel drive cars; front to rear; rear to front; and side to side. It can also be beneficial to incorporate your spare tire into the rotation. If you aren’t sure which tire rotation pattern you should be using, a trusted mechanic can help you in determining and maneuvering this important routine.
- How often should I have my tires rotated? This answer also varies based on what type of vehicle you have, but a good rule of thumb for most front wheel drive cars is to rotate your tires either every six months, or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, whichever comes first. Ask your mechanic how often your car can benefit from a tire rotation.
- Can I rotate my own tires, or should I bring my car to a mechanic? It’s certainly possible to rotate your own tires, but you should only attempt to do so if you feel comfortable with tires and cars and have the necessary equipment. If you haven’t rotated your tires before, or if your tires have never been rotated at all, it’s best to at least have a professional mechanic do it the first time. This assures that it’s done properly, on the right schedule, and according to the correct pattern.
The longer you own a vehicle, the more the cost of tire replacements and repairs can really add up. Rotating your tires regularly is an easy and affordable way to save you a lot of time and money later down the road. If you have any questions about tire rotation, please contact Madison Muffler & Auto Repair, your local auto repair shop in Madison, TN.