How Often Do You Need a Tire Rotation?

A tire rotation enables your car to have even amounts of wear and tear across the tire. Regular rotations prevent you from having to go in on numerous visits for individual tire replacements. But how often do you need a tire rotation?

Most manufacturers typically require you to do so every six months or 7500 miles. New vehicles should follow the maintenance schedule listed in your owner’s manual if they need to maintain their warranty.

Below, we will detail what happens during the process of a tire rotation.

What is a Tire Rotation?

During a tire rotation service, your chosen mechanic removes all four of your vehicles. The tires are then rotated and swapped to opposite sides, enabling even wear on both sides of the tires.  

A tire rotation is a straightforward process that you should not ignore. Ignoring your tire rotation schedule could cause the following problems:

Uneven Tread

Uneven tread on your tires causes issues with hard braking and icy conditions. Having one tire be the best at gripping means for a rough break, which increases your chances of spinning out.

Voided Warranties

New vehicles need to follow strict maintenance schedules to maintain quality and performance. Drivers who fail to follow these schedules will have their warranties voided. The manufacturer might cite the un-rotated tires and lack of maintenance as an example of why you are unfit to qualify for the contract.

Can You Rotate Your Tires Yourself?

Yes, tire rotation is a straightforward process that does not require any specialized training. If you have a suitable jack that can safely lift your vehicle, you don’t need to pay someone else to get it done.

The one benefit of bringing your vehicle to a mechanic for tire rotation is noticing other issues. Of course, you want to be sure that you trust the mechanic before taking their suggestion.

Other Factors That Might Impact Your Need for a Tire Rotation

The Type of Tire Used

Some tires have varying tire sizes with oversized rims and thin rubber. With this in mind, that rubber tends to wear out quicker. As a result, you might want to reduce your tire rotation schedule by a few thousand miles.

How Often You Drive Your Vehicle on Rough Terrain

Gravel roads and rocky surfaces always wear tires out faster. Ideally, you’ll have tires suited to your offroading habits. However, regular tires that go through this terrain will need more frequent checkups.

What You Use The Car For

If you use your car as a daily commuter, the regular schedule is likely better. However, a work truck spends time driving long distances and over (see above) rough terrain. If you need your car to work and use it often for your job, check your vehicle regularly.

Wrap Up

A good tire rotation can be the difference between tires that pop within a few years and those that last forever. To be sure your tires will last a long while, let our specialists handle them for you.