What is Tire Rotation?

 
A tire rotation is a crucial part of maintaining your vehicle’s tires. It helps prevent tires from wearing unevenly, and uneven tire wear can lead to a loss of traction, a decrease in fuel economy, or even blowouts. Find out more about this important step in tire maintenance today with the Auto Express service center.

What Does Rotating Tires Mean for Your Vehicle?

When rotating tires, you’re changing the position of your tires on your vehicle. Most often, this will involve moving the front tires to the rear and the rear tires to the front. Along with moving from front to back, tires may also change sides. For example, what was the rear left tire will end up as the front right tire. This is known as a tire rotation pattern.

Additional Tire Rotation Facts

• Most vehicles have more weight in the front, meaning the front tires will wear faster.
• The type of drivetrain your vehicle has will impact how the tires wear. That’s because different drive trains distribute power differently. Whatever tires are receiving the bulk of the power will wear faster.
• This also means that your vehicle’s drivetrain will also affect the tire rotation pattern, to ensure that no tire wears down too fast compared to the whole set of tires.

What Does Tire Rotation Do For Tire Maintenance?

• Maximizes Performance: Tires that have been worn unevenly can start to vibrate, which can eventually be felt through the steering wheel.
• Preserves Traction: As tires lose tread depth, they have less surface area to grip the pavement. This decrease in traction can make it harder to maneuver the roads of Indianapolis and Crawfordsville safely.
• Prevents Blowouts: Another way the tire rotations can preserve your safety is by preventing blowouts.
• Increases Efficiency: Tires that are worn can increase fuel consumption by creating drag and putting a strain on your engine.

Get Tire Care Today Near West Lafayette

It’s normally recommended that you have your tires rotated every six months or every 5,000 miles to 8,000 miles — whichever comes first. For more detailed recommendations for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual, or reach out to the service team at Auto Express. Our experts are here to help you with all of your service needs in Lafayette, including teaching you how to check your oil!