The Importance of Tire Rotation: Maintaining Traction and Extending Tire Life

What is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation is a simple yet crucial maintenance task that involves moving each tire to a different position on your vehicle at regular intervals. The purpose of tire rotation is to ensure that all tires wear evenly, promoting better traction, handling, and longevity.

Why is Tire Rotation Important?

Over time, tires wear unevenly due to factors such as vehicle weight distribution, invalid camber or alignment, driving habits, and road conditions. Without regular rotation, tires in certain positions may wear more quickly than others, leading to decreased performance and safety concerns. You may experience worse fuel economy or a car that can't handle in the snow as with a slippery surface, each tire might pull the vehicle in different directions.

Benefits of Tire Rotation

By rotating your tires regularly, you can maximize their lifespan and performance. Here are some key benefits of tire rotation:

• Even Wear: Rotating tires helps distribute wear more evenly across all four tires, extending their lifespan.
• Improved Traction: Evenly worn tires provide better traction and handling, especially in adverse road conditions.
• Enhanced Safety: Maintaining proper tire tread depth through rotation reduces the risk of hydroplaning and improves braking performance.
• Optimized Fuel Efficiency: Properly inflated and evenly worn tires contribute to better fuel efficiency, saving you money at the pump.

When Should You Rotate Your Tires?

It's recommended to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or as specified in your vehicle's owner's manual. Additionally, consider rotating your tires whenever you notice uneven wear or if you've recently replaced one or two tires. When you bring in your car for a tire swap from winter to summer, its a good idea to have the tires labelled from the previous season so they can be rotated at that time.